“Temporary art project” became a permanent monument. That’s the surprising story of the Venice pride flag lifeguard tower. Here we stand before a symbol of hope and inclusivity. This isn’t just any lifeguard tower. It’s a vibrant declaration of acceptance.
The Venice pride flag lifeguard tower stands proudly north of the skate park near Brooks Avenue. The tower’s journey began in 2017. Venice Pride, a non-profit organization serving the LGBTQ+ community, built it. Board members painted it with the colors of the rainbow.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin, Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, and Venice Pride President Grant Turck unveiled the tower. They also dedicated the Bill Rosendahl Memorial Beach. Rosendahl was the first openly gay man elected to the Los Angeles City Council.
Over time the bright colors began to fade. Weather and lack of upkeep took their toll. Richard Martinez and his crew from Beaches and Harbors Los Angeles County stepped in. They restored the tower to its original glory. This ensured it looked its best for Pride Month.
Around the same time as the restoration, tragedy struck. The Long Beach Lifeguard tower, also painted in rainbow colors, burned down. Many suspected it was an act of hate. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, who identifies as gay, vowed to rebuild it. He promised it would be “brighter, gayer, and bigger than it was before.”
Venice Pride donated $500 to The LGBTQ Center Long Beach. This supported Mayor Garcia and the Long Beach Fire Department to rebuild the new tower.
Before the Venice pride flag lifeguard tower, Venice’s first Pride celebration took place on June 3, 2016. This was an effort to protect the LGBTQ community. A year later, Venice Pride unveiled this very tower.
Initially, the city planned to repaint the Venice pride flag lifeguard tower its original color on September 8. However, Venice’s citizens had a different plan. More than 10 thousand signatures appeared on a Change.org petition. The petition aimed to keep the tower as it was.
Grant Turck, Venice Pride founder, argued for the tower’s preservation. He compared it to the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was also initially temporary. Turck urged everyone to use the tower as an emblem. He wanted it to show that Los Angeles stands for progress. The vote to keep the rainbow tower passed unanimously.
So as you gaze upon the Venice pride flag lifeguard tower remember its powerful message. It is a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the enduring spirit of inclusivity.