Hoboken to Build Rainbow Bridge Memorial for Lost Pets

Community fundraiser launched to create a space for grieving pet owners in Elysian Park

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:58pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the outline of a wooden bridge structure surrounded by blurred, colorful shapes and greenery, conveying a serene, contemplative atmosphere.The planned rainbow bridge memorial in Hoboken's Elysian Park will offer a tranquil space for pet owners to honor the memory of their beloved companions.Hoboken Today

A group of Stevens Institute of Technology students, Hoboken residents, and local officials are working together to raise $10,000 to build a "rainbow bridge" memorial in Elysian Park to honor pets who have passed away. The memorial will provide a place for pet owners to grieve openly, feel supported, and connect with others who have experienced similar losses.

Why it matters

Pet loss is often an overlooked form of grief, even though pets are considered family members by many. The rainbow bridge memorial will create a dedicated space for the Hoboken community to come together and commemorate their beloved animal companions.

The details

The rainbow bridge concept is inspired by a famous poem about pets being reunited in the afterlife. In recent years, pet lovers have been building physical rainbow bridge structures as places to remember lost pets. The Hoboken memorial will feature a wooden bridge design similar to ones built in other locations, along with a space to hang pet collars. The project is being led by a team of Stevens Institute of Technology students, in collaboration with Hoboken community members, local officials, and animal rescue organizations.

  • The fundraiser to build the rainbow bridge memorial began in April 2026.
  • The memorial is planned to be installed in Elysian Park, a historic park in Hoboken.

The players

Mei McGarvey

A student at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken who is excited about the rainbow bridge memorial project, having experienced the loss of several childhood pets.

Emily Jabbour

The mayor of Hoboken, who is working with the community on the rainbow bridge memorial project.

Tiffanie Fisher

A Hoboken city councilwoman involved in the rainbow bridge memorial project.

Eiko La Boria

The founder of The Flow Initiative, a partner organization on the rainbow bridge memorial project.

Dr. Lisa Lippman

A professional offering pet loss guidance for the rainbow bridge memorial project.

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What they’re saying

“Pet loss is often overlooked, even though our pets are family. Having experienced the loss of several childhood pets, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate that grief.”

— Mei McGarvey, Stevens Institute of Technology student

“I hope this memorial creates a space where people can grieve openly, feel supported and connect with others in the community who understand.”

— Ashley Goldstein, Spokesperson for the rainbow bridge memorial project

What’s next

The community fundraiser on GoFundMe aims to raise $10,000 to cover the materials, construction, and installation of the rainbow bridge memorial in Elysian Park. Any additional funds raised will go to Wise Animal Rescue.

The takeaway

The rainbow bridge memorial in Hoboken's Elysian Park will provide a dedicated space for pet owners to grieve and connect with others who have experienced similar losses, helping to address an often overlooked form of community grief.