The gift marked a public-private partnership under the Lake Merritt Master Plan.

Councilwoman Nancy Nadel was right when she said: "The city doesn't have enough money to cover all the restoration projects, and we're pleased to have partners in the Rotary Club."

As envisioned, the gateway will be a beautiful addition to Lake Merritt, consisting of a large staircase descending from street level past four landings to the plaza. It will connect with the Lake Merritt promenade with the boathouse entrance.

"It won't only be for gondoliers, rowers and runners, but also for weddings and a place to go just to have a good meal," said John Gibbs, landscape architect for the project.

The groundbreaking ceremony last week coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club, founded in 1905. Oakland's first chapter was formed four years later -- the same year that the Lake Merritt boathouse was built.

As Nadel said at the groundbreaking, we hope that more private donors come forward for similar partnerships.