Dee Scott, manager of local nonprofit Popular Companions, asked the City of Liberty Lake Parks & Arts Commission on Dec. 1 to consider a publicly accessible "Rainbow Bridge" memorial where residents could commemorate pets.

Scott said the group envisions a serene, park-like spot with a bridge structure, benches, plantings and a place for tags or ornaments that function as memorials. "We have this dream to build the Rainbow Bridge in the city of Liberty Lake," Scott said, adding that Popular Companions has sold ornaments and could help coordinate tag sales or sponsorships to support maintenance.

Commissioners discussed practical considerations, including permitting, parking and theft prevention, and flagged the Town Square parcel as likely unavailable because the city has not decided whether it will be parkland, a library or a community center. Derek, a city staff member, said staff would scout candidate sites with the commission's design parameters in mind and return with recommendations at the January meeting.

Scott described possible design elements — metal tags that could be arranged like wind chimes, paw-print landscaping, benches and signage explaining the Rainbow Bridge concept — and said involvement of a local artist and sponsorships could underwrite construction and upkeep. She offered to provide concept photos and a sketch to Jen Camp for distribution to staff and commissioners.

Commissioners weighed several potential locations raised during the discussion: a trail along Liberty Lake Road (high visibility but limited parking), a site near Pavilion Park's southern basketball court (close to parking but partially secluded), the arboretum behind City Hall (more peaceful with City Hall parking), and corners near Country Vista that are currently planned for a citizen-led rock garden. Several commissioners noted parking availability and proximity to playgrounds or high-traffic areas would affect site suitability.

The commission set next steps: Popular Companions will deliver concept sketches to staff, and staff will scout sites and present options at the January meeting. No formal vote or funding commitment was made at the Dec. 1 meeting.