To recognize the contributions of Carol Edwards to the Woodinville community, Friends of Carol Edwards proposed naming a planned walkway around the city’s sports fields “The Carol Edwards Loop.”

Barry Provorse, who presented the concept to the City Council Feb. 13, said that if the council supported the idea, he was certain considerable private financial support would follow.

When asked who the Friends of Carol Edwards were, Provorse answered simply, saying her friends are many, as evidenced by the hundreds of people who attended a party given in her honor at Willows Lodge in April of 2004.

In addition to a pathway dotted with paw prints circling the sports fields, Provorse suggested that a large standalone statue of a basset hound, “a basset with an attitude,” something friendly, creative and beautiful, be placed nearby.

The city council indicated that it would be a willing partner in a project to recognize Edwards.

Councilman Mike Roskind said that he was aware of the influence Edwards had on the city. He asked if it would be possible to name the entire park after her.

Councilman Chuck Price said that the city had not adopted a formal plan for the fields yet and perhaps naming the park for Edwards would be a better idea.

Mayor Cathy VonWald said, “I love the idea.”

Roskind asked, “What is the convention for naming a facility? Could we name a facility (the Woodinville Community Center) after her? How long would that take?”

Councilman Don Brocha said that there were a number of ideas presented that ranged from naming the fields to naming the facility, to a walkway with paw prints, to a sculpture. “I’d like to see us go forward on this. The concept is important. I know it would tickle Carol.”

Councilman Scott Hageman said he remembered when Edwards, founder of the Woodinville Weekly, printed the newspaper out of her garage. He said she was known as the “Mother of the City of Woodinville.”

“Whatever we can do to honor that, (I’d support),” said Hageman. “Her contribution to the city was significant. I want our tribute to be significant.”

Price suggested that in addition to naming something after Edwards, there be some kind of plaque to commemorate her contributions. He said that whatever plan the city came up with, he wanted it to be “a real quality thing.”

City staff was directed to bring back options for council consideration at the Feb. 21 meeting.

Edwards was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2004. There is no known cause or cure for the disease. She is currently living at home in Woodinville with the support of her partner Rex Knight, her family, friends and caregivers.