The Brea Olinda Unified School District presented their Leonard MacKain Friend of Education Award to the City of Brea at its October 22 Board of Education meeting. The School Board recognized the City for their partnership in the revitalization of the Laurel Playground/Lagos de Moreno Park.
A strong partnership between the City of Brea and the School District goes back many years, and Laurel Playground/Lagos de Moreno Park is a good example. Built 45 years ago, a partnership between the City and the District provided that the park and playground be used by the school during school hours and be open to the public after school and on weekends. For over a decade, the City worked closely with community members and the District on plans to renovate the park. On September 28, city, school district and community members all came together to re-dedicate the new park and playground.
The Leonard MacKain Friend of Education Award began in 1979 and is presented annually by the Brea Olinda Unified School District Board of Education to those who make continuing and outstanding contributions to public education. Leonard MacKain was an exceptional educational leader in Brea. He served the Brea community as a Principal, Assistant Superintendent, School Board Member, City Council Member, Mayor, and educator. He “oversaw” the construction of three elementary schools, Mariposa, Fanning, and Brea Country Hills, along with Brea Olinda High School, and Brea Canyon High School.