Board debates windmill-event structure orientation and public-art placement along Oak Harbor waterfront

The Oak Harbor park board discussed technical design and siting questions for a proposed windmill/event structure and broader public-art placement along the waterfront. Board members said designers report the project footprint and primary structure size are largely locked in, but members pressed for clearer dimensions and a site visit with the designer to confirm orientation and access.

Members debated whether the windmill should face the city or the water and asked where the entrance, walkway and electrical panel would be located. One participant summarized design changes that reduced overall height, saying the revised concept "is gonna be about 74 feet with the blades at 50 somewhat feet," and discussed how blade clearance interacts with entrance placement and second-story openings.

Separately, the board reviewed plans for rotating sculptures and three totems near Centennial Park/Oak Grove and along a proposed boardwalk from Flintstone to Catalina Park. Members expressed concern about placing installations where few people would see them and recommended clustering sculptures where visitors already congregate, adding parking where needed and ensuring installation sites are serviceable and safe.

Next steps include scheduling a site visit with the designer, confirming final dimensions and electrical locations, and developing a plan for public-art placement that prioritizes visibility, maintenance access and parking.