As is tradition with Rainbow Bridges around the world, collars and tags of lost pets may now be attached to the railings of the new Rainbow Bridge at Veterans Legacy Woods in honor and remembrance of lost pets. Particularly this park, special tribute may also be paid in honor of military dogs, police K-9 units and service dogs.
A map locating the bridge can be found here. To access it directly from the parking lot (roughly 2,889 feet one-way, and uphill to return), take the Courage Trail, pass the Honor Trail on your left, and then turn left onto the Integrity Trail.
On September 9, 2024, residents gathered under the park’s open-air shelter to dedicate the new bridge. Guest speaking at the dedication was Bev McClelland, wife of former Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland, whose K-9 Midge was Geauga’s most famous service dog.
The concept of a Rainbow Bridge was brought to the park by Karen and Gary Herwig, who built its special railings with Jim Hall, and Lenny Barcikowski from Carter Lumber donated all the wood. We thank these individuals, as well as Park District staff members Isaiah Shipman and Joshua Inks, who worked with the Herwigs to help them retrofit the structure and make the Rainbow Bridge a reality.
Please note that tags and collars may be attached to the bridge to be left indefinitely, but any other items left will be removed by park maintenance staff and not returned. Thank you for respecting park rules, other visitors paying tribute at the bridge, and all items left in remembrance.
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