SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Creative District asked the Soap Lake City Council to consider a Washington State Arts Commission grant application and matched fund assistance for new wayfinding signage throughout the district. The council unanimously decided to move forward by creating a memorandum of understanding and looking at matching dollars for the project.  

“We are trying to find a way of finding signage because we want to be able to define and identify our Creative District,” Soap Lake Creative District Representative Ruthanne Tobiason said. “So, then when people move into town or come visit, they know where that district lies, and it's kind of like an economic corridor as well as a place of interest. We see the Creative District as like a hub for the rest of the community.” 

Tobiason said the grant application for an estimated $41,000 is due Nov. 20. The total cost for the city would be around $20,000.  

At the Nov. 19 meeting, the council is expected to vote on a memorandum of understanding, a project plan, a budget and matching funds for the grant application.  

“The state wants creative districts to have a clear geographical boundary, and they have had a big push for way finder signage to be included in the districts,” Tobiason said. “The added benefit of having the signs is that there is clear direction. They will be styled in a manner that is visually appealing. It will elevate the look of an area. It gives some people the added element they can be proud of.”  

The proposed plan asks for a total of 13 signs. This includes five vehicular signs with four located on Daisy Street North and one located at the intersection of Division Street North and Main Avenue East. Three pedestrian signs are located at Canna Street North, in front of East Beach Park and at the intersection of Main Avenue East and Daisy Street North. Additionally, five vertical signs attached to light poles are located on Main Avenue East and on Canna Street.  

“I think that it gives people something to be proud of. It shows progress. It shows that the council wants to invest back into the community in a way that showcases what is best about Soap Lake,” she said. 

She cited wanting to showcase assets such as the two parks on the lake, the Masquers Theater and the Soap Lake Library.  

Tobiason said another big piece is that the creative district needs to establish an identity, which the signs will help with. 

“It’s part of the program the state has put together in order to help build and grow the creative economy,” Tobiason said.  

She said the brand will be similar in colors to the cities.  

“It’s so that we don’t clash,” she said. 

The district is working on finalizing a logo, Tobiason said.  

“If we can just spruce things up around here, I think everybody is going to feel better about living here and showing off Soap Lake to their friends,” Tobiason said.