A state committee has reached a consensus on the location for a new memorial dedicated to Cal Anderson, the first openly gay legislator in Washington and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. This decision comes after the original memorial was removed, causing significant public outcry.
During a recent meeting, the State Capitol Committee unanimously approved a site for the new tribute, which will be situated on a plot of land east of the Sunken Garden on the Capitol campus. The design aims to honor Anderson’s legacy by incorporating elements that reflect his thoughtful nature and activist spirit. Plans include a semi-circular retaining wall and seating area designed for meditation, alongside a polished granite boulder standing four feet tall, symbolizing Anderson’s contributions to the state.
The new memorial will be visually integrated into the landscape, with a height that will not surpass the surrounding hedges. While the committee has established a location, it still needs to finalize the design and secure funding from the Legislature, which is estimated to cost around $312,000. Randy Bolerjack, a deputy secretary of state and committee member, expressed his satisfaction with the thoughtful approach that allowed for rectifying past grievances through this new tribute.
Anderson’s political career began when he was appointed to a House seat in 1987. Over the years, he dedicated his efforts to advocating for civil rights, including pushing for legislation that would eventually prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. After his passing in 1995 due to complications related to AIDS, his impact continued to resonate within the community.
The original memorial was established in 1996, but a recent incident involving the removal of a nearby cherry tree and the plaque honoring Anderson sparked controversy. Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and Gov. Jay Inslee both expressed their distress at the removal and advocated for the reinstatement of a memorial that truly represented Anderson’s legacy. In response to this, a budget of $75,000 was allocated for the project, and HBB Landscape Architecture in Seattle has been commissioned to develop the design.
During the committee meeting, Aaron Luoma from HBB presented sketches and renderings of the proposed memorial, which received high praise. Heck described the designs as impressive and an exciting start to visualizing the new memorial space.
Once the final designs are approved, the project is set to undergo a bidding process, with construction anticipated to last six months.
This initiative not only serves as a celebration of Cal Anderson’s groundbreaking contributions but also stands to remind future generations of the values of hope, kindness, and advocacy for equality that he represented throughout his life. The new memorial will hopefully foster a space where visitors can reflect on the importance of these principles in today’s society.
Overall, this project signifies a meaningful step towards inclusivity and acknowledgment of diverse histories within the state’s heritage.