The City of Tacoma started Pride Month with a splash of color, revealing its very first Pride-themed crosswalk on Broadway, nestled snugly between South 9th and 11th streets. With the new addition, Tacoma reaffirms its standing as an inclusive city, one that embraces its LGBTQIA2+ residents and visitors with open arms.
Following a City Council decision last October to allocate $35,000 in one-time funds, this vibrant statement of diversity was championed by Council Member Olgy Diaz and Council Member Kristina Walker. The City's Public Works Artist in Residence, Natalie Dupille, took the helm in designing the crosswalk, a creative piece which then received the green light from the Tacoma Arts Commission. As reported by the City of Tacoma's news release, the crosswalk unveiling was a festive affair.
Notables such as Mayor Victoria Woodards, along with Council Members Diaz and Walker, stood alongside Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello and Downtown on the Go representatives during the event. Community enthusiasm peaked as the street was closed off for a "First Look" photo op on the crosswalk. Mayor Woodards beamed, stating, "I’m proud to see the unveiling of our city’s first Pride crosswalk—a vibrant symbol of inclusion, love, and solidarity." This sentiment echoes the community's regard for diversity, as the crosswalk signifies both a celebration and a symbol of Tacoma's commitment to its residents' varied identities.
In its strategic location, the crosswalk not only captures attention aesthetically, but also serves practical considerations, such as traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Located in the city's bustling downtown district, the area is home to a multitude of cultural, educational, and commercial hubs, thereby cementing itself as a suitable pilot spot for future creative crosswalk installations. In the words of Council Member Walker, "The pedestrian environment is so important to all users of our streets and this rainbow, pride flag crosswalk is a reminder that Tacoma is a creative and community-oriented place where diversity is celebrated."
The material chosen for the crosswalk is preformed modular thermoplastic, known for its durability and skid resistance, which complies with the ASTM E303 standard. Such design considerations ensure its longevity and maintain the street's usability for years to come. As a lawful mid-block crossing, it maintains the essential white "rail style" stripes, also ensuring that the street remains a safe space for those who traverse it.
Moving forward, the City has plans to curate a thorough process for future creative crosswalks, balancing artistic vision with the need for standard, uniform pavement markings. This initiative forms part of Tacoma’s broader strategic push towards epitomizing an inclusive community where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated visibly, for all to see and experience.
