Elysian and the lily pads

Every so often a web site visitor asks, "Why the lily pad?" 

Here's the story of Elysian's icon.

When city leaders decided to introduce a new web site in 2004, the search began for an image that could serve as an icon for Elysian, something unique that would represent the community well.

Logos were designed, images were drawn, many ideas were reviewed and put before the EDA board members. But nothing seemed to click. Nothing showed what city leaders wanted conveyed about their little town.

While the search went on, the perfect image was right in front and all around the web site project team. The town's founders saw it first, generations of residents and tourists have enjoyed it since ... the lily pad.

Lily pads on Ray's Lake

When entering Elysian, the first thing seen is a lake. From any direction or road taken in, travelers are greeted by the beautiful image of an Elysian lake. And every one of them has patches of lily pads dotted with white flowers along the shore. During the summer months, it is quite the sight to see.

Lily pads on a lake indicate good water quality, abundant fishing, and a strong natural environment. Water lilies and their round leaves bring to mind positive thoughts. For the nature lover, it represents a healthy habitat rich in wildlife big and small. Anglers wonder what's lurking under the leathery pads. For residents and visitors, our lakes are places of rest and recreation. For those just passing through, they experience a few minutes of natural beauty on their way past town. For a moment, for a day or year round, experiencing an Elysian lake soothes the soul and lifts the spirit.

Lily flowers and wildlife on Lake Tustin

The EDA wanted to convey the goodness and pride in their community and showcase its biggest asset. They wanted to give web visitors a snapshot of the "Elysian experience" and show off a small town that continues to blossom and grow, thanks to the good things brought by the lakes.

For these reasons, the image of a single water lily floating on a lake covered with pads was chosen as the icon to represent little Elysian to the world.

                                                                                                       Photos by K. Burns