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Local nonprofit proposes 'Rainbow Bridge' pet‑memorial; commission to scout sites
Summary
Popular Companions presented a proposal for a Rainbow Bridge pet‑memorial in Liberty Lake and offered to fund initial construction; the Parks & Arts Commission asked staff to scout several park and trail locations and invited the group to return in January with concept sketches.
Dee Scott, manager at Popular Companions, told the Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission on Dec. 1 that her organization seeks to create a Rainbow Bridge memorial "where people can go and reflect, remember, commemorate their past pets." Scott said the concept would include a bridge‑like walkway, seating, plantings and a place for small memorial tags or collars.
Scott described prior community interest in similar memorials and said Popular Companions has tested demand locally by selling ornaments and offering an option for a pet’s name on a small cloud ornament. "People would just love the idea," she said, arguing a well‑designed Rainbow Bridge could attract both residents and visitors.
Commissioners and staff discussed practical constraints and possible locations. Chair Nancy Hill and staff noted Town Square property is in transition and likely unavailable; staff and commissioners identified alternatives including the trail along Liberty Lake Road near the Trailhead Golf Course, Pavilion Park (near the southern basketball court), the arboretum behind City Hall and a visible corner near the Farmers Market. Commissioners emphasized the need for serenity and some parking access; one staff member recommended allowing for expandability and a minimum bridge length of about 15 feet so the structure reads as a bridge rather than a short fence.
Nancy Hill told the commission that "Popular Companions has generously offered to fund the project initially, so it doesn't come out of our budget." Commissioners asked Popular Companions to provide concept images and a sketch of intended dimensions to aid staff site scouting. Dee Scott agreed to deliver photos of existing rainbow‑bridge examples and a concept sketch to staff for distribution to the commission.
Next steps: staff agreed to scout likely sites with the commission's sizing/preferences in mind and to place the Rainbow Bridge discussion on the commission's January agenda for further review once the group provides concept materials. There was no formal vote on siting or approval of design at the meeting.
