A simple question posted to a local Facebook group has residents imagining what a grand “Welcome to Whidbey Island” sign might look like — and where it should go.
The discussion began Friday, March 13, when Oak Harbor resident Brian Linson shared the idea in the Whidbey Island Community Facebook group, asking why the island doesn’t have a prominent welcome sign greeting visitors.
“Our community has strong opinions about many things, but one thing I’ve never heard discussed is a Welcome to Whidbey sign,” Linson wrote in the post. “I truly believe we should have something that makes a statement to people who travel to our beautiful island.”
Linson suggested placing one sign near Deception Pass on the north end of the island and another near the Clinton ferry landing on the south end. He envisioned something eye-catching — the kind of landmark visitors might stop to photograph.
To help illustrate the idea, Linson included a mockup showing a large wooden sign painted with a colorful mural. The design features flowers, an orca whale, a sailboat, the Deception Pass Bridge, and a bald eagle flying over a sunset backdrop with snow-capped mountains. Across the front reads: “Welcome to Beautiful Whidbey Island.”
Within hours, the post drew hundreds of reactions and comments as residents weighed in on the idea.
Some pointed out that a version of the concept already exists near the Clinton ferry dock. “Don’t we already have that on the south end in Clinton???” Leigh Bunch-Kuschnereit wrote in response.
Others said they liked the idea of a bold, photo-worthy sign greeting visitors arriving by bridge or ferry.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea and the pic above is perfect,” Kmae Golden wrote. “I don’t think anyone would have something negative to say about this piece of art.”
Some commenters admired the design but noted it might come with a hefty price tag. “The sign in the pic is really beautiful. Expensive, but beautiful,” Laurie Monical wrote.
Others said they would welcome any effort to highlight the island’s history and scenery for visitors.
Lisa Lucy noted that an informational sign once stood near the Deception Pass Bridge parking area explaining the region’s history and said she would like to see something similar return.
For now, the idea remains just a conversation starter — but judging by the reaction online, plenty of Whidbey residents already have opinions about how their island should say hello.
Want more local news? Follow Puget Press Island County on Facebook.
