A vision to make Langley a destination for art lovers took a step toward reality this week.
The Langley Arts Commission’s six-year master plan was approved at Monday night’s regular city council meeting. At the center of it all is a $800,000 transformation of the undeveloped Seawall Park into a shining jewel of the city. Sculptures, a gazebo, a fountain, and improved mobility impaired access are slated to make the park a hub for gatherings, weddings and play days, said Chairman Frank Rose said in a phone interview Tuesday morning. The plan will be largely paid for with grants, donations and fundraisers, though city funds may also be used in the future.
“Many people thought Seawall Park, because it’s undeveloped, has the most potential for beautification,” Rose said.
As the most expensive item in the plan, Rose hopes the waterfront that overlooks Saratoga Passage will become a centerpiece for the city. Other projects included in the plan are the Clyde Alley archway, adding banners and poles in the Langley core to celebrate performing arts and current happenings, sculptures on Second Street and near the Langley Post Office and a rotating mural display in Clyde Alley on the Firehouse Wall.
The visual appeal for Langley is one that Mayor Tim Callison hopes will draw tourists, art lovers and current residents alike.
“It’s going to continue to emphasize arts, which is an essential element of life in the community of Langley — it’s part of our DNA,” Callison said. “It improves Langley’s visibility and as an art appreciation destination. People will be coming to Langley with art on display and how it fits into the overall fabric and feel of the city.”
The plan was crafted by Rose, arts commission members Diane Divelbess, Stacie Burgua, Michele LaRue, Callahan McVay, Hank Nelson and Jeannie Miller, former Langley Mayor Fred McCarthy and a host of others. The Whidbey Island Arts Council, Whidbey Life Magazine and Freeland Art Studio will also be partners in seeing the plan through, said Rose, while the Langley Chamber of Commerce and other similar organizations will also contribute to its progression.
Whidbey and Camano Island artists will have an opportunity to have their work put on display through call to artists competitions, which include the Second Street sculpture and the Clyde Alley archway.
The theme for Seawall Park will be Native American, which will coincide with the non-tribal Native American-style totem poles at the western set of beach stairs as well as the Native American-inspired designs on the concrete bulkhead near the water access, Rose said. Among the list of things to accomplish moving forward is the installation of restrooms and making the steep hill between the Dog House Tavern and Hladky/Whale Bell Park accessible for wheelchairs. The idea is to make it true to its name as a park setting.
A consortium composed of businesses, community members and organizations will raise money needed to fund the project. The group will also reach out to Island County and the economic development council as well as other organizations for support. Callison said that in the future, the city will also lend a hand by making money available in the city’s budget, such as from the tourist fund, to help the projects.
