LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Memorial Grove at the Westside Community Park took one more step toward completion last week with the installation of the mosaic artwork and signage.

The tile mosaic featuring an oak tree surrounded by the names of the 12 individuals being remembered is affixed to the south side of the Jane Barnes Field sign.

The work was commissioned by the Westside Community Park Committee and paid for by donations from individuals in memory of their loved ones.

This beautiful work was created by local artist, Chris King, following input from members of the committee.

Donors to the Memorial Grove are the Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation; Leanne and Jim Harvey in memory of Helen Barbara Harvey; Nancy and Cliff Ruzicka in memory of Marla Ruzicka; Gary and Linda Cambria in memory of Tony and Sophie Cambria; Jim and Alice Holmes in memory of George and Doris Knevelbaard and Jim and Billie Holmes; Linda S. Everson in memory of J.L. and C.E. Shinn; Jack and Rebecca Southwick in memory of William Bennett and Ruth Jantz; Susie LaPointe in memory of Jack W. Humphrey; the Thorn family with the inscription “Always in our Hearts”; Carole and Alexander McGeoch in memory of Ruth Jolin; and Jim and Carol Dvorak in honor of James Dvorak Sr.

In January, 12 oak trees will be planted in the area adjacent to the mosaic.

The grove will be completed with the placement of a concrete bench donated by the Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Club.

According to Dennis Rollins, chairperson of the Westside Community Park Committee, the Memorial Grove was envisioned by the committee with a threefold purpose: to add additional landscaping, to bring local art into the park and to provide a place where loved ones could be remembered.

The concept was unveiled at Grillin’ on the Green, the Committee’s annual summer fundraising event, with a display featuring the artist’s rendition of the proposed mosaic and an example of the oak trees to be planted.

“The 12 trees and recognition tiles sold out very quickly,” Rollins said. “If more space had been available we would have created a larger grove.”

Information on the park’s development can be obtained from the committee’s Web site, www.westsidecommunitypark.org .