Author: Kristie Wells
What started as a moment of inspiration in traffic became one of the North Shore’s most recognized landmarks – and now, the community is coming together once again to finish what it started.
If you’ve ever driven into Incline Village from Mt. Rose Highway or from the King’s Beach area, you’ve passed through it. The Gateway to Lake Tahoe isn’t just a roundabout – it’s a first impression, a landmark, and a reflection of the community that built it.
But what many don’t realize is that this project didn’t begin with engineers or agencies. It started with a simple idea.
In early 2007, longtime resident Don Kanare sat waiting in traffic, trying to turn left onto Tahoe Boulevard. Like many who had experienced that intersection, he knew there had to be a better way.
His inspiration came from an unlikely place – his cat, Spumoni. Watching Spumoni move fluidly in circles through the house, only stopping when something blocked the path, Kanare envisioned a traffic circle that could keep cars moving instead of idling. That idea – affectionately known as “Spumoni Circle” – was born.
At the same time, the community was engaged in the Incline Visioning Process, creating an opening for ideas like this to take shape. With support from local leaders and the Infrastructure Committee, the concept gained traction.
After years of planning and collaboration, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) constructed the roundabout in 2012 as part of broader roadway improvements.
The impact was immediate:
- Improved traffic flow
- Reduced vehicle idling and emissions
- A safer, more efficient intersection
But the community didn’t stop at functionality. They saw an opportunity to create something meaningful.
A Landmark Comes to Life
The roundabout quickly became home to one of the largest outdoor public art displays in the region. Renowned local sculptor June Towill Brown was selected to bring the vision to life. Her bronze animal sculptures – black bear, mule deer, bobcat, and more – were designed to reflect the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. These weren’t just installations. They were funded by the community:
- Families honoring loved ones
- Residents contributing to shared spaces
- Local businesses donating materials and labor
By October 2012, the Gateway to Lake Tahoe was officially dedicated – a true public-private collaboration and a point of pride for Incline Village.
Today, more than three million people pass through this intersection each year.
Why Improvements Are Needed Now
Fourteen years later, time – and nature – have taken their toll.
- Invasive plants have overtaken original landscaping
- Lack of irrigation has limited plant growth
- The low-profile design has led to vehicles striking the roundabout
- The bronze sculptures themselves have been put at risk
What was once a thriving, carefully designed space now needs reinvestment. Under the leadership of Incline Village Main Street, a program of the IVCBA, a new phase of improvements is underway with clear goals:
- Enhance safety for both drivers and the sculptures
- Restore and elevate the aesthetic experience
- Reflect the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe’s East Shore
The updated design includes:
- Raised mounding for better visibility
- Irrigation to support long-term landscaping
- Native perennials, fir, and aspen trees
- Iconic granite boulders
- Repositioned bronze sculptures
This effort has once again brought together a broad coalition – designers, engineers, local agencies, and community volunteers – all working toward a shared outcome. Just like the original project, this phase relies heavily on collaboration and generosity.
- Engineering and permitting coordinated across NDOT, Washoe County, IVGID, and TRPA
- Local contractors contributing labor and expertise
- Businesses donating materials and transportation
- Volunteers and organizations supporting maintenance and planning
Significant funds have already been raised, including over $230,000 through community efforts. But there is still a gap. To bring the Gateway Roundabout improvements to completion, the project is seeking an additional $30,000.
This final push will ensure:
- The landscaping can fully thrive
- Safety improvements are completed as designed
- The Gateway reflects the beauty and pride of this community
This isn’t just about a roundabout – it’s about the first impression we create for millions of visitors each year, the shared sense of place that defines our community, protecting a landmark built by and for local residents, and continuing a legacy of collaboration that has shaped Incline Village from the very beginning.
The Gateway to Lake Tahoe represents what Incline Village does best – coming together to create something meaningful.
If you’ve ever felt proud driving through this gateway, now is the time to be part of its next chapter. Donations can be made through the Sierra Giving Circle, managed by the Incline Tahoe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting community beautification projects. [LINK]
Every contribution helps bring this project across the finish line.
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