“Rainbow Bridge” Pet Memorial Garden Heads to St. Cloud City Council

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud City Council will consider approving a licensing agreement for a new pet memorial garden at Heritage Regional Park.

The Central Minnesota Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit proposing what organizers describe as a serene sanctuary for pet owners to honor deceased companions.

The project is inspired by the “Rainbow Bridge” poem and is intended as a non-burial space for comfort, grief support and reflection on the human-animal bond. Construction is proposed to begin in June.

The centerpiece will be a wooden bridge painted with rainbow colors and paw prints, spanning a dry, rocky pond. Visitors will be able to hang pet collars on the bridge, or purchase custom engraved memorial tags or granite plaques to be mounted in the garden. Plans also include native plantings and a Kid’s Corner for grief support.

The push for the garden was started by Laura Ellavsky in early 2025 after her dog, Mozzie, died in March 2024. Organizers originally pitched Pioneer Park as the location, but most neighborhood residents opposed the idea at an open house in August of last year, and city staff did not recommend that site. The group then worked with the Stearns History Museum, which was initially supportive but ultimately denied the request. Staff worked with organizers to identify Heritage Regional Park as the recommended location.

The Park and Recreation Advisory Board approved placing the garden at Heritage Regional Park on February 3rd. The Planning Department signed off administratively on January 29th. Community Services and Facilities Director Scott Zlotnik is recommending council approval.

The licensing agreement carries no fiscal impact to the city. Staff is recommending the license be renewed by mutual agreement for five one-year terms.

The council meets Monday at 6:00 p.m. at city hall.

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