Nonprofit leads by example
Lolita Harper
COSTA MESA -- To the far left, a young child expressed his love for
his dad. Under it, a lost loved one was commemorated. A few feet away
from that, a Costa Mesa fire station proudly marked its territory.
The hand-decorated tiles that adorn the exterior walls of the
restrooms at TeWinkle Park were officially dedicated to the city
Wednesday by the Leadership Tomorrow Class of 2001.
“This is a lasting contribution to the community,” said Tom Egan, who
was the co-chairman of the Leadership Tomorrow Class of 2001 project
committee. “Those who contributed can show off their art to their kids
and grandkids.”
Leadership Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization -- supported by the
chambers of commerce in Costa Mesa, Corona del Mar, Irvine and Newport
Beach -- designed to develop leadership by introducing participants to
the power base of the community. Each class goes through the yearlong
program and culminates its experience with a community project.
The project goals were to involve the community and beautify the park
area in an effort to deter vandalism and graffiti. More than 440 tiles
were painted and mounted around the park’s restroom area. Each tile
carries a different theme, from simple messages like “Don’t worry, be
happy” to detailed paintings of nature scenes.
Mayor Linda Dixon, Councilwoman Libby Cowan and Councilman Chris Steel
were on hand to accept the park beautification project. Dixon welcomed
the novel addition to TeWinkle Park.
The mayor commended the class of 2001 on its innovative project.
“In all my years of involvement in the city, this was the first
Leadership Tomorrow project I have seen that went out in the community
and involved the community,” Dixon said.
Dixon noted the individuality of each tile and encouraged everybody to
take the time to examine the varying messages mounted on the walls.
Each sentiment represents the community, she said, and Egan agreed.
“We can’t carve initials in trees anymore, so this is a politically
correct mark on the community,” Egan said.
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