It’s time to give a warm welcome to a new piece of public art.

The Bainbridge Island Parks and Trails Foundation will officially reveal the Suquamish Welcome Pole that marks the start of the Sound to Olympics Trail at 3 p.m. Oct 9, followed by a reception at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

It’s not just a trailhead marker. The pole is a 14-foot-tall old-growth cedar log depicting Schweabe, Chief Sealth’s father from the Suquamish tribe, carved by local artist Randi Purser. Schweabe’s figure is joined by the frog of the new year, which captures both the historic moment of new fatherhood and first European contact: an indication of family and a people at the cusp of a time of great change. A Thunderbird perched at the top of the pole represents the power of Schweabe’s family.

“We’re honored and moved to bring Randy Purser’s beautiful carving to our community, with support from and in celebration with the Suquamish Tribe,” says Mary Meier, BIPTF executive director.