Planning commission approves donated drinking fountain for Land Company Park

The Belvedere Planning Commission voted to approve design review for a donated drinking fountain to be installed at Land Company Park.

"I have for your consideration a request for design approval of a proposed drinking fountain at Land Company Park," said Tony Boyd, public works director, during the staff presentation. Boyd said the fountain would be a donation from Joan Beacons and include a dedicatory plaque for the Beacons family. He told commissioners the parks committee reviewed and recommended the donation under Belvedere policy 20.3 on 06/12/2025 and again on 08/21/2025.

Commissioners asked technical and placement questions. One commissioner asked whether the vendor was the same as the earlier fountain near Lagoon Road; Boyd said the prior company no longer makes the exposed-aggregate finish and the city will use a different supplier. Boyd also described the need to preserve mower access and ADA clearances; he said benches next to the proposed location could be shifted "just to the other side of the walkway" if required to meet clearance requirements. "The ADA would have to be, in place," he said.

During public comment, a resident identified as Sandy praised the donor: "She's done so much for Marin County, as well as for our city," and said family members had no objection to bench adjustments. Boyd and staff added for the record that Beacons and a group of volunteers had handled most of the project coordination and contractor work and that the city's role was to facilitate the donation and installation.

Commissioners expressed broad support. Commissioner Jenna said the park is well used by children and dog walkers and that she could "make all of the findings." Commissioner Justin moved to approve the design review; the motion passed. The commission recorded the approval and thanked the donor and volunteers for the contribution.