Council Approves Memorial for Body Glove Co-Founders

With a unanimous vote, the Redondo Beach City Council on Tuesday night approved an agreement to install a statue memorializing Body Glove co-founders Bob and Bill Meistrell near Seaside Lagoon.

The bronze statue, which depicts the Meistrell twins during their lifeguard days, will be sculpted by artist Chris Barela, a former Body Glove surfer, and installed at Seaside Lagoon by April 1.

The memorial will also include a circular base, three benches and lighting. A fund set up by the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce Foundation will cover costs related to the ongoing maintenance of the memorial, as well as any relocation costs related to the upcoming waterfront revitalization.

Dinah Lary, who spearheaded the drive to get the statue installed, told the council that the chamber is still receiving donations from those who wish to get involved.

"It's a gift," she said. "It's a gift for Bob and Bill. They meant a lot to the community, and it was the easiest fundraising thing that I've ever been involved with."

Jackie Briles, a friend of the family, donated $60,000, and Dave Parker of Pelican Products matched that donation. So far, the fundraising campaign has brought in nearly $183,000.