TITLE:
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DONATION OF A MEMORIAL BENCH AND PLAQUE AT BRENTWOOD PARK
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DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/MAINTENANCE SERVICES DIVISION
PRESENTED BY: ROBERT RYAN, MAINTENANCE SERVICES MANAGER
CONTACT INFORMATION: ROBERT RYAN, MAINTENANCE SERVICES MANAGER (714) 754-5123
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services Commission accept the donation of a memorial bench and plaque to be installed in Brentwood Park in memory of Brandon Beach.
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BACKGROUND:
The City is in receipt of a letter from Brigitte Nichols, requesting permission from this Commission to donate a memorial bench and plaque to be installed in Brentwood Park in memory of her son, Brandon Beach (Attachment 1).
Mrs. Nichols and her family have lived in Costa Mesa since 1991. Over the past 34 years, their family has created countless memories in the city and throughout the community. Brentwood Park has always held a special place in their hearts, from playing with neighborhood kids to walking their dogs daily and celebrating birthdays; the park has been an integral part of their lives.
Brandon was born in 2002. Mrs. Nichols shared that Brandon was a vivacious child with boundless energy, which resulted in many visits to Brentwood Park. He grew up attending schools in the Newport-Mesa School District and was an active participant in the local Boy Scouts. During his time in the Boy Scouts, he helped plant trees behind the City Hall building.
According to Mrs. Nichols, Brandon grew into an incredible young man. He worked as a server at Islands in Newport Beach for five years and blossomed into a confident young adult. He built strong, positive relationships with his coworkers and the patrons he served. Brandon was exceptionally kind and thoughtful, always eager to help anyone in need. Tragically, Brandon was involved in a fatal car accident on his way home from work on January 6, 2025, at just 22 years old. He is survived by his mother, father, his two older sisters, and his two older brothers.
A memorial at Brentwood Park would not only honor Brandon’s life but also serve as a place where family, friends, and community members can reflect on the joy he brought to those around him. The bench would be located along the proposed DG trail on the southeast side of the park.
ANALYSIS:
The request meets the requirements set forth by City Council Policy 800-4 (Attachment 2). Staff has reviewed the proposed location in Brentwood Park and determined a suitable location for the memorial bench and plaque (Attachment 3). Staff will work with the donor to schedule the installation.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Commission may deny the request for the donations or may suggest an alternate location.
FISCAL REVIEW:
Upon approval by this Commission, the installation of the bench and plaque will have minimal fiscal impact on the City, as the donor will incur the cost of the items.
LEGAL REVIEW:
No legal review is required for this item.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services Commission accept the donation of a memorial bench and plaque to be installed in Brentwood Park in memory of Brandon Beach.