HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2024 0205 PR REG ITEM 08A Item: 8.A.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Jeremy Laurentowski, Parks & Recreation Director
DATE: 2/05/2024 Regular Meeting
SUBJECT: Consider Donation of a Rainbow Bridge from the Moorpark Morning
Rotary Club at College View Park
BACKGROUND
In 2023, staff was contacted by members of the Moorpark Morning Rotary Club (Rotary
Club) to inquire about the possibility of installing a Rainbow Bridge at College View Park.
At the time, the Rotary Club was interested in applying for a grant to fund the project.
In April, 2023, staff was notified by the Rotary Club that the grant was approved. The
grant was offered through Rotary District 5240 and was specific to a Beautification Project
at a local park. The total project budget is $8,000, and the total grant received was
$1,000, with the remainder of the funding coming from local businesses and member
donations, as well as match funding from the Rotary Club.
DISCUSSION
A Rainbow Bridge takes its inspiration from a poem that was written by an unknown
author. The poem has become popular and describes a place where animals go when
they pass, 'to the Rainbow Bridge.' Pets can be an important part of an individual's life
and the loss of a pet can be very emotional for some individuals. A Rainbow Bridge
provides a place to celebrate, remember and to grieve for pets that have passed.
The Rainbow Bridge proposed by the Rotary Club will be located across from the entrance
to the Dog Park at College View Park. The bridge will be constructed of steel, with laser
cut or water jet images of animals and letters. The bridge panels will be powder coated
to minimize rusting and the images will represent a wide range of animal shapes, such as
dogs, cats, birds, and even a hamster, lizard and snake. Additionally, the bridge will
include the words 'no longer by my side but forever in my heart' and will be installed with
a rainbow-colored back drop. The Rainbow Bridge will span a cobble riverbed with a
concrete walkway connecting the bridge to the existing walkways in the park.
Parks and Recreation Commission
2/5/2024 Regular Meeting
Page 2
Additionally, a plaque will be installed adjacent to the bridge to memorialize the donation
from the Rotary Club and project sponsors. Members of the community are encouraged
to paint rocks and add them to the cobblestone riverbed. (see Attachments 2 and 3)
If approved, the Rainbow Bridge will become a permanent amenity at College View Park
and will become City property after installation has been completed and accepted by the
City. The City will maintain the bridge and/or remove the bridge should it come into
disrepair. For this reason, staff has worked with the Rotary Club to ensure the bridge
components are commercial grade quality and that the life expectancy of the bridge will
span many years, with minimal, if any, associated maintenance costs. Additionally, the
bridge will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Make a recommendation to the City Council to accept donation from the Morning Rotary
Club for a Rainbow Bridge and Associated Improvements at College View Park.
Attachment 1 : Rainbow Bridge Location
Attachment 2: Rainbow Bridge Concept
Attachment 3: Rainbow Bridge Plaque
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College View Park Attachment 1
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1"=65 ft Sub Title 02/01/2024
This map may represents a visual display of related geographic information.Data provided here on is not guarantee of actual field conditions.To be sure of complete accuracy,please contact the
responsible staff for most up-to-date information.
Attachment 3
Rotary Rainbow Bridge
In loving memory of our cherished pets who have crossed the
Rainbow Bridge. This sacred space is a tribute to the joy and
companionship they brought into our lives.
You're invited to add a touch of color to this bridge of memories
by placing a painted rock in honor of your beloved pet.
May this Rainbow Bridge be a testament to the enduring bond
we share with our animal companions. Together, we celebrate
the pawprints they left on our hearts.
A gift to Moorpark from: With help from:
Moorpark Morning Perfor mance Gardens
Rotary &*-)41 SET
FgN�10 R2XL
Club Collier Construction