Commission approves donated memorial bench and plaque for Fairview Park
January 10, 2026 | Costa Mesa, Orange County, California
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The Parks and Community Services Commission approved a donation of a memorial bench and plaque for Fairview Park on Jan. 8, voting 6-0 to accept the family'funded gift.
The bench donation, presented by city staffer Mr. Ryan, was requested by the Fenley family (the record also contains the spelling "Findlay"). Staff recommended the proposed location on the west side of Fairview Park near the lawn area and restrooms, and said the bench is a recycled-plastic product designed to resemble lumber. According to staff, the donor will pay for all materials and the city will provide installation services.
Commissioners discussed whether to approve the specific donated bench now or postpone to study broader city standards for memorial-donation materials. Commissioner Garcia Arcos asked whether the city had recently installed wooden benches; the maintenance manager noted wooden benches had not been common in recent years and cited maintenance and longevity concerns in the coastal environment. Several commissioners expressed interest in exploring wood as an option for future donations but said such a policy change would require months to evaluate and could affect donor cost expectations.
Ultimately, Commissioner Kamala moved to approve the donation and Commissioner Ledger seconded. The motion carried 6-0. Chair Brown asked staff to notify the family that the commission approved the request.
Staff noted the donation had been reviewed by the Fairview Park steering committee as a courtesy and that the commission has final authority to approve installations in the park. The record indicates the donation request was first received by the city in June 2024 and that donors had expected to follow existing material and cost standards.
The commission did not change material standards at the meeting; commissioners asked that staff and commissioners continue to gather information about material choices, maintenance implications and potential public outreach on any future policy change.
The bench donation, presented by city staffer Mr. Ryan, was requested by the Fenley family (the record also contains the spelling "Findlay"). Staff recommended the proposed location on the west side of Fairview Park near the lawn area and restrooms, and said the bench is a recycled-plastic product designed to resemble lumber. According to staff, the donor will pay for all materials and the city will provide installation services.
Commissioners discussed whether to approve the specific donated bench now or postpone to study broader city standards for memorial-donation materials. Commissioner Garcia Arcos asked whether the city had recently installed wooden benches; the maintenance manager noted wooden benches had not been common in recent years and cited maintenance and longevity concerns in the coastal environment. Several commissioners expressed interest in exploring wood as an option for future donations but said such a policy change would require months to evaluate and could affect donor cost expectations.
Ultimately, Commissioner Kamala moved to approve the donation and Commissioner Ledger seconded. The motion carried 6-0. Chair Brown asked staff to notify the family that the commission approved the request.
Staff noted the donation had been reviewed by the Fairview Park steering committee as a courtesy and that the commission has final authority to approve installations in the park. The record indicates the donation request was first received by the city in June 2024 and that donors had expected to follow existing material and cost standards.
The commission did not change material standards at the meeting; commissioners asked that staff and commissioners continue to gather information about material choices, maintenance implications and potential public outreach on any future policy change.
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