THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The serenity of the Conejo Creek North Park has been something that residents in this area have appreciated for many years.

Now there is a new area that has been built as a permanent tribute to the victims and the survivors of the Borderline tragedy.

“The healing garden was created in tribute to the people of Thousand Oaks and the spirit they showed in the aftermath of the tragic events of November 7 2018,” said Rob McCoy.

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It has been one year since the Borderline Bar shooting, but as he reads a dedication plaque in honor of the 12 victims, Thousand Oaks Mayor Rob McCoy has to take a moment and a deep breath.  

“Three weeks before he took office as mayor in December 2018, the Borderline shooting happened.”  McCoy knew many of the victims.  

Two of the victims were members of the congregation where he is a minister. On the first anniversary of the Borderline shooting, the city of Thousand Oaks is opening a very special place in commemoration of the tragedy.

“On the one year anniversary, we wanted to make sure that there would be a memorial park prepared to be dedicated one year from the date of the shooting”, McCoy says.

One day after the Borderline shooting came the Woolsey fire. So many people in the area didn't feel like they had time to mourn the loss of the 12 victims because they were evacuated. The city dedicated $250,000 for the development of a healing garden in their honor. The Canadian Valley Recreation Department donated the land and designed the space.

“A lot of folks had $250,000 for Park. Well our feeling was this is a seminal event in the history of the city, never to be repeated, but never to be forgotten,” said McCoy.

Twelve large granite stones represent each of the 12 victims alongside 248 off colored pavers that represent the survivors of the shooting. The garden is divided up into symbolic areas.

“We have a celebratory side and we also have a contemplate of side. The celebratory side was already built. And this is a pavilion and as you can see with the awnings and the benches, this is where you come to have a picnic. This is where you come to celebrate. And then coming across the pond, we now have the healing garden. And this is going to be contemplated and it will be just a lovely place to come whenever you've gone through trauma or heartache, a place to come and just find healing,” said McCoy.

While the memories of the Borderline shooting are still painful, McCoy believes this healing garden is what the community needs to move forward.

“I think this is going to be very cathartic for the families and the community itself. The city's ready for this. We really are and I'm grateful for the work of the Parks and Rec and the unity of the community to make something like this available. The garden is meant as an everlasting reminder to always meet hate with love and darkness with light,” said McCoy, reading from the dedication plaque.

While it was created as a commemoration of the borderline victims and survivors, this healing garden welcomes anyone who needs a place to reflect on love and loss.