On December 1, 2025, the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking at the future site of the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial in Downtown Park. The event, held on World AIDS Day, drew more than 200 community members, including Palm Springs Chief of Police Andy Mills, former City Councilmember Lisa Middleton, and City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein.
Speakers included Task Force Founder and Spokesperson Dan Spencer, artist and designer Phillip K. Smith III, and Bernstein. Attendees viewed a scale model of the Memorial, which will soon move into engineering and fabrication stages, with construction expected to begin in January.
“The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial will give residents and visitors a place to gather, share stories, and reflect on the impact of HIV/AIDS,” Spencer said. He emphasized the importance of remembrance and resilience, noting that the Memorial will honor those lost, as well as long-term survivors, caregivers, and family members.
The Memorial, titled Well of Love, was designed pro bono by award-winning artist Phillip K. Smith III. It will feature three vertical marble ovals sourced from Sardinia, Italy, fabricated by Garfagnana Innovazione, with aluminum elements created by Active Alloys. The project is supported by civil engineering from MSA Consulting, structural engineering from Rbhu Engineering, and oversight by Kizy Art Production.
Renderings and a virtual site experience are available at presentation.psaidsmemorial.org. Donations to support the final $275,000 fundraising goal can be made at psaidsmemorial.org/community-leadership-donor-tiers. DAP Health serves as the fiscal processing agent for contributions.
Spencer also underscored the urgency of preserving history: “We know that SILENCE = DEATH. We cannot let this happen in our loving, supportive, and inclusive community.”
The Palm Springs AIDS Memorial will stand as a lasting tribute, sharing three messages: Forever Remembered, Forever Loved, Forever Celebrated. It will serve as a gathering place for compassion, unity, and reflection, ensuring that the stories of those impacted by HIV/AIDS remain visible for generations.