Title
Review and Recommend a Memorial Gathering Space at Krusi Park
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review and Recommend a Memorial Gathering Space at Krusi Park
BACKGROUND
Staff has been working with Alameda resident Cindy Miner-Kapelke over the last two months on a plan and design for a memorial gathering space that is inspired by a mother and daughter, Rachel Shahinian and Annika Zinsley, who were lost to a tragic car collision last August. They were both performers (dancers and singers), as well as nature-lovers who enjoyed gathering outdoors with friends and family in Alameda, at Otis and Krusi Park, and in many of California’s natural sites and beyond.
Groundworks, a landscape architect firm, generously provided pro bono design services for this project, which included numerous redesigns based on staff input. This proposed design evokes outdoor gathering spaces and public areas that offer a place to be together, share a song, a skit, a snack, and time together. This space would be dedicated to Rachel and Annika and incorporate tasteful and artistic elements to commemorate them.
DISCUSSION
This gathering space is located adjacent to the Krusi Park playground in a currently underutilized area. Tucked under an existing tree near the playground, this gathering space would feature a low, two-tiered wood stage, unique to Alameda parks. The lower, ground level portion of the stage provides access to youth and families of all physical abilities.
Natural rock or wood seating faces the stage on a decomposed granite base. The stage could accommodate small impromptu or planned performances from the Otis Elementary School students, Krusi Park after school and summer participants, or simply people enjoying the park. It could also serve as a platform for picnics and playground watching.
The permanent installation would feature natural materials arranged artistically, and set safely in place. It is designed for durability and low maintenance, to add something beautiful, useful, and novel to the Krusi Park space.
A fund has been created in memory of Rachel and Annika to create spaces that reflect their passions and interests. To date, at Otis School, where Annika would have been a 5th grader this year, a community group and students installed a mosaic and planted a cherry tree with benches soon to be added.
This project would be fully funded through fundraising and in-kind services and support. Construction on the project will not begin until all funds are raised. The Alameda Friends of the Parks Foundation has generously offered to be the repository for all financial donations for this project. Once installed, the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department would take on full maintenance responsibility. This design has been vetted and recommended by both the ARPD Director and Parks Manager.
This gathering space would be an enduring memorial that beautifies Krusi Park, activates an underutilized area, and adds a new and unique element of enjoyment for the community.
The anniversary of Rachel and Annika’s passing is August 15th. The family and friends who are spearheading this effort hope to dedicate the space during that week of the one year anniversary by offering solace in the creation of a beautiful space in their memory.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is minimal financial impact to the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department. All construction costs will be donated. The maintenance is anticipated to be minimal with durable materials.
RECOMMENDATION
Review and Recommend a Memorial Gathering Space at Krusi Park
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. Design Layout