Sometimes the greatest community improvements begin with a simple idea and a few people willing to bring others together. The newly completed artwork at the Waikiki and Mill Road roundabout is a perfect example of what can happen when local leadership, creativity, and community support come together.
The Fairwood Farmers’ Market is proud to have served as a catalyst in helping connect local artists, businesses, and community members to support this unique beautification project, bringing a little more character and creativity to the gateway of North Spokane.
A Vision for the Gateway to North Spokane
The project began in 2021 when Rob Allen, then president of the Fairwood Homeowners Association, recognized an opportunity to transform the roundabout into something more welcoming and reflective of the surrounding community.
Originally installed by Spokane County in 2012 to improve traffic flow and safety, the roundabout had remained largely unfinished from an aesthetic standpoint.
Allen reached out to Kelly McCann, then president of the Highland Hills Homeowners Association, and together they began developing a vision for what they called the "Gateway to North Spokane."
Both Allen and McCann are also members of the Fairwood Farmers’ Market Board, bringing their shared commitment to community improvement into their work beyond the market.
McCann took on the role of project manager, leading fundraising efforts and coordinating the many people and organizations needed to make the vision a reality. The Farmers’ Market helped spread awareness and connect the project with the broader Fairwood community.
Inspired by Our Local Landscape
As the project developed, the team wanted something that reflected the natural beauty and character of the area without creating an ongoing maintenance burden for volunteers.
Working with local landscape architect Curtis Morin of Clearwater Summit Group, Kalispel Metal Products, and with support from the Kalispel Tribe, the vision evolved into an artistic representation of one of our region's familiar birds: the grey heron.
The finished installation features five locally sourced basalt stone columns surrounded by custom steel artwork. On the north and south sides of the roundabout, large steel herons stand perched on textured metal logs, each holding a fish. At the center, a spinning iron compass features another heron rising above it, while decorative metal water reeds tie the entire installation together.
The artwork celebrates the wildlife and waterways that help define our region while creating a distinctive landmark for those traveling through North Spokane.
A Community Effort
What makes this project especially meaningful is the number of people and organizations who contributed along the way.
Through community fundraising, more than $30,000 was raised to support the project. Kalispel Golf and Country Club helped connect the team with Kalispel Metal Products, whose skilled welding artists brought the custom metal designs to life. Curtis Morin helped shape the landscape design, while community members and volunteers contributed their time, encouragement, and support.
The Fairwood Farmers’ Market was proud to help share the vision and engage our local community throughout the process.
This project is a reminder that community building happens in many different ways. Sometimes it happens at a farmers market, sometimes through a neighborhood association, and sometimes through a group of local people who simply want to make their surroundings a little better.
More Than a Roundabout
The transformation of the Waikiki and Mill Road roundabout is more than a roadway beautification project. It represents local pride, collaboration, and the power of bringing people together around a shared vision.
We are proud of Kelly McCann and Rob Allen for their continued dedication to the Fairwood community and their leadership in helping bring this project to life. Their work reflects the same community-minded spirit that drives our Farmers’ Market.
And while there are still plans for future enhancements, including lighting around the basalt columns and metal artwork, this latest milestone is certainly