City Briefs

Three reappointed to advisory boards

The Shelton City Council on Jan. 7 gave preliminary approval to reappointing three residents to two city advisory groups.

The appointments can be made official with a vote by the council at its meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Shelton Civic Center.

The city filled one of three openings on the Shelton Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Kathy McDowell, a former member of the Shelton City Commission and the Shelton City Council, was fulfilling a partial term on the group. She submitted a letter volunteering for another three-year term. Two other positions remain open.

At the end of 2024, the Shelton Arts Commission had two openings. Stan Yantis and Robin Bishop submitted letters of interest to be reappointed to serve four-year terms. Both served a half term and a full term on the group.

Mason County residents are eligible to apply for the two openings on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

The group meets monthly to assist the city in providing parks and recreation services to residents and visitors. The group provides recommendations on park planning and recreation programs. To apply, submit a letter of interest to Parks and Recreation Supervisor at [email protected] or by mail to the Shelton Civic Center at 525 West Cota St.

Creative Arts District moves ahead

At its Jan. 7 meeting, the Shelton City Council agreed preliminarily to a resolution of support to establish a Creative Arts District.

The move can become official with a vote at the meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Cities that want to celebrate art and artisans, and draw tourists and locals, can apply for Washington State Arts Commission certification for a creative district. The certification comes with a $10,000 startup operating grant and up to $50,000 in capital project funding for small-scale projects, technical assistance, training and networking,

Jae Hill, the city's community and economic development director, said the city is completing its application for certification and asked the council to approve a resolution in support and to establish the boundaries of the district.

"We're trying to make this a welcoming place for the arts all over the county because we're the only incorporated city where people might want to come to experience that art," he said.

The borders of the district are "essentially what we recognize as downtown Shelton," Hill said. The borders are Park Street on the south, Front Street on the east, and "zigzagging" between Pine and Birch streets, he said.

An Art Stroll will be hosted Feb. 22.