Washougal to fete U.S. with giant mural

To celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, Washougal is thinking big — 37 feet by 17 feet, to be exact.

During its April 27 meeting, the Washougal City Council pledged $1,500 toward a U.S. map ground mural expected to be completed this spring at Hathaway Elementary School.

“It’s a fun educational thing — something the kids can interact with, help them learn their states and foster citizenship and pride of living here,” said Joe Walsh, the city’s director of community services and strategy.

The mural “is intended to engage student participation with oversight provided by both the (Washougal) Arts Commission and school staff,” according to a city staff report.

“A creative teacher could definitely have some fun with this mural,” Walsh said.

A group of city staff members, teachers, students and volunteers plans to begin painting the 37-by-17-foot mural in mid- to late June and complete it by July 1, Walsh said. The team will use Valspar anti-skid porch and floor paint, ensuring the map remains both long-lasting and safe for student activity, and a “giant stencil,” Walsh said.

“It’s been reviewed by everybody — the superintendent, the parks board, the arts commission multiple times and the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance,” Washougal City Councilor Michelle Wagner said during the city’s April 27 workshop session. “It’s going to be a good group project.”

Washougal is giving its downtown a patriotic look with red-, white- and blue-themed flower baskets and upcoming “America 250” banners. The city is also handing out commemorative pins to City Hall visitors and planning its second annual nonmotorized kids parade at Hathaway Park on July 4.

“We’re looking to infuse that theme wherever we can into our existing events,” Walsh said.

Walsh added the city will continue to invest in its arts scene, which is growing through a combination of public art projects, festivals and community-led events, including the Washougal Arts and Music Festival, the Washougal Songcraft Festival and the Washougal Studio Artists Tour. The city is seeking certification from the Washington State Arts Commission to establish a designated “creative district.”

“It feels like art is an emerging part of Washougal’s identity and will continue to be an emerging part of our local economy,” Walsh said. “I think (our investment is) reflective of the community itself.”