Projects
Our Vision
We envision a community working together to inspire curiosity, discovery, and pride in the Lower Grand Coulee for current and future generations.
Those of us who founded FLGC did so because we are fascinated by the geology, culture and history of the Lower Grand Coulee, and the creative spirit this area inspires. We’ve spent many enjoyable years learning about the area by reading, exploring the terrain and connecting with local artists, history and geology buffs, as well as experts in those fields. When we choose a project, we ask ourselves several key questions, among them:
We envision a community working together to inspire curiosity, discovery, and pride in the Lower Grand Coulee for current and future generations.
Those of us who founded FLGC did so because we are fascinated by the geology, culture and history of the Lower Grand Coulee, and the creative spirit this area inspires. We’ve spent many enjoyable years learning about the area by reading, exploring the terrain and connecting with local artists, history and geology buffs, as well as experts in those fields. When we choose a project, we ask ourselves several key questions, among them:
- Will this project connect the people who live in and visit this community to the unique attractions of the Lower Grand Coulee?
- Will it provide an opportunity for learning and help improve the "Lower Grand Coulee" experience?
- Will it support and inspire artistic creativity?
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The Historic James Building - Transforming a piece of history for use as a future community center.
Since the beginning of our organization we’ve had a vision for a permanent space that can be used as a meeting and exhibit venue for promoting our mission of sharing the Lower Grand Coulee experience through arts and science education, exhibits and presentations. Visit our James Building page to learn more. |
The Grand Coulee by Road - In 2023 we partnered with John Kemble of Coulee City on the publication of The Grand Coulee by Road, a full color travel sized booklet showing the location with explanation of landmarks between Soap Lake and the Grand Coulee Dam. It includes both well known and forgotten
historical landmarks, with little known historical facts when available.
Copies are available at La Cucina di Sophia's and the Visitors Information Center.
historical landmarks, with little known historical facts when available.
Copies are available at La Cucina di Sophia's and the Visitors Information Center.
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New flag flying over Soap Lake, WA - In 2015 Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee participated in the selection, coordination and placement of the new flagpole in Soap Lake, WA. It was one of the finishing touches to the city’s Main Avenue renewal project. The height of the flagpole was carefully chosen and erected so that the apex matches the surface elevation of the ancient Glacial Lake Bretz which filled the Lower Grand Coulee from Soap Lake to Dry Falls. Future plans include the addition of an interpretive placard that will further explain the formation of this lake by the ice age floods.
FLGC extends a special thanks to Soap Lake for Locals for their help in getting the word out about the flagpole fundraising campaign. Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee received donations specified for this project, as did the City of Soap Lake. The contributions fully funded the flagpole and the 10' x 15' American flag that was raised for the first time on July 4, 2015 at the start of the Smokiam Days parade. Here is a short video showing the installation of a basalt pillar and commemorative plaque for the flag. |
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Navigate Soap Lake - Our design team helped lay out and coordinate the "Navigate Soap Lake" way-finding sign package that allows for additional interpretive information. The colors and font were selected from the Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway design guidelines, which are used for its interpretive kiosks, literature, and signage. The coordination helps create a visual link and supports the Coulee Corridor's interpretive goals.
Soap Lake's Spa Town History - Soap Lake was a very busy resort town at the beginning of the 1900s. Riding or walking around town you will pass by many former hotel and spa (aka sanatorium) locations. Use this map to locate sites of old hotels and spas. Bicycle Parking in Soap Lake - FLGC and major donor Columbia Basin Foundation provided funding for the innovative Park-a-Bike® bike docks along the newly refurbished Main Avenue in Soap Lake. Learn more about the bike docs and where to bike in Ephrata by visiting our Bicycling page. |
Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee is tax exempt organization as described in
Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 46-4201429
Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 46-4201429
