Girl Scout’s pet‑memorial ‘Rainbow Bridge’ approved for Delps Park over supervisor objections on maintenance

Brianna Clough, an 11th‑grade Girl Scout Ambassador, presented a proposal to build a "Rainbow Bridge" pet memorial at Delps Park as her Gold Award project and asked the Board of Supervisors for approval to proceed with fundraising and site selection.

Clough said the bridge would cost no taxpayer dollars and that she would seek donations and volunteer support; she described the structure as about six feet long and two feet wide, likely built of pretreated or composite wood to minimize maintenance, and aimed for an opening on Aug. 28 (Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day).

Supervisors asked whether the bridge would be symbolic or walkable, whether collars could be hung, and who would maintain it. "Once it is installed, it will be up to the Township to maintain," Supervisor Cindy Miller said, and expressed concern that informal memorials can become long‑term upkeep obligations. Janet Sheats said she liked the idea but preferred an all‑wood aesthetic with a plaque explaining the symbolism. Jerry Pritchard noted composite materials often come with long warranties and urged not to "throw a roadblock in front of something that will not require maintenance." Monica Brown raised that existing agility equipment at the dog park is not being maintained and suggested maintenance might be focused there first.

The board approved the project on a motion by Jerry Pritchard, seconded by Janet Sheats; Jerry Pritchard, David Hess, Janet Sheats and Mike Jones voted aye and Cindy Miller voted no. The motion carried.