West Seattle Totem Pole returns to Rotary Point | Arts & Culture

It’s back! The totem pole that was stolen from Rotary Viewpoint in November of 2009 returns to the site today after the Rotary Club of West Seattle oversaw the pole’s refurbishment by Artech.

“We couldn’t be happier to have the totem pole back in the park,” said Acting Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams. “We’re grateful to the Rotary Club of West Seattle for their continuing support of the park.”

The pole, carved by Robin Young for the park, has graced the site since Rotary Viewpoint, a project of the Rotary Club of West Seattle, opened to the public in 1976.

After the mysterious theft, Seattle police found it on a trailer in Keizer, Oregon, outside Salem. 

The pole was damaged, and Rotary, under an agreement with Parks, has overseen the repairs by Artech, a local company specializing in the handling, restoration, and display of art. 

The reinstallation of the pole takes place today, and a community celebration will follow on Tuesday, August 10.