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.