Woodland city officials opted to move a Nativity scene off city-owned property Tuesday after receiving a few complaints about the display’s location, leading to many more complaints from residents.
The Nativity scene was previously at Horseshoe Lake Park, the same location the display had been for more than 50 years, according to residents. The city received some complaints that it was inappropriate to have a religious display on city-owned property and found a private property owner who agreed to put up the display.
The Nativity scene now sits at the corner of Buckeye and Goerig streets.
In a letter to the city published Tuesday on Woodland’s Facebook page, Mayor Will Finn said he received complaints early last week “regarding constitutional limits on such displays on public property.” He wrote that he started looking for an alternative location in case the complaints were well-founded.
A records request with the city found two complaints were made in recent weeks, one received Dec. 6 and another received Monday. Both questioned the legality of placing the Nativity scene on public property.
“We have consulted with our attorney who has verified federal and state constitutional limitations on the display of religious displays on public property or the spending of public money, such as electricity on the same,” Finn wrote.
He cited Article 1, Section 11 of the Washington state Constitution, titled “Religious Freedom,” which states, “No public money or property shall be appropriated for or applied to any religious worship, exercise or instruction, or the support of any religious establishment.”
After the city announced the display was moving, it received more than 25 complaints online, as found in the same records request. Most of the complaints followed a similar theme, with the person expressing disappointment. Many of those who reached out said they felt like moving the Nativity scene broke away from a long-standing Woodland tradition.
“As one of the city caretakers, I believe the move was best for the city and for all of us,” Finn wrote. “I appreciate that many city employees and community members did not want the Nativity moved. But I also appreciate that with public resources comes public responsibility. I personally see the Nativity as a symbol of Christmas and feel comfort when seeing it displayed. However, I had to make the decision as the mayor.”
Mike Golik, owner of Woodland True Hardware, said he was disappointed to see the display move, but said he understood city officials were in a tough position and were trying to “keep the peace” between as many people as possible.
“This has happened all over throughout the country,” said Golik, 43. “It’s not a surprise that it happened. It’s more of a sadness that it has.”
Golik has been the keeper of the display for the last three years. He puts the Nativity scene up each year on Dec. 1 and stores it during the off-season. He even repaired the manger when he took it over, and his wife, Tina Golik, repainted some of the figurines.
Mike Golik remembers visiting the Nativity scene with his mother as a child and said the city was putting up the display as far back as the early 1960s, if not earlier.
“The Nativity was very elaborate, very large,” he said. “The buildings were large enough that humans could walk inside. There was nothing miniature about it. It was very well known in our area.”
He said the Nativity scene’s relocation has been a huge topic of discussion around Woodland and online this week.
On the city’s Facebook post, a few people commented they were pleased that Finn and city officials were able to find a new location for the display so quickly and one that is more visible than the previous location.
“Everything fell right into place in regards to remedying the situation,” Golik said. “Our community has a very deep tie to the Nativity. It’s very dear and cherished to the citizens, especially the longer-time citizens who have been in this community. It’s such a symbol of Christmas. Its grandness is something you don’t see in many areas around the country.”
