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Memorial Day targeted for park renovation
(by Mike Klimko - November 12, 2008)
Memorial Day targeted for park renovation
By MIKE KLIMKO
Observance of Memorial Day in May could be the first for the assembling of veterans at the renovated Solon Veterans Memorial Park near the new fire station, Mayor Kevin C. Patton said.
Officials are prepared to precast the stonework needed in the construction of a new fountain and a new gazebo on the site, according to a report this week to City Council's safety and public properties committee.
In an Oct. 29 letter to Mr. Patton, Solon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1863 endorsed plans for the park and to name it.
Renovation of the park was planned in conjunction with construction of the new fire station, which was completed in June at the southwest corner of Bainbridge and SOM Center (Route 91) roads.
A preliminary design of the park was provided by the fire station architect. Eventually, city officials hired Bainbridge landscape architect Jeffrey Markley to design the park.
Plans call for 2 feet of curbing and a fountain with a diameter of 18 feet, covering 315 square feet, and replacement of the 100-year-old gazebo with a replica featuring a diameter of 24 feet.
An estimated $44,000 will be required to precast masonry as part of the project, said David Hromco, assistant public works director.
"Part of the design will include precast concrete-masonry units that will be made to emulate the stonework on the existing gazebo," he said in requesting approval to bid. "We feel it is important to begin the process of producing these precast units as soon as possible. This portion of the work is highly specialized, with a longer lead time than the other items involved in the improvements to this park."
Input from the VFW had been requested by City Council's safety and public properties committee, Mr. Patton said. City officials hope the park will be completed in time for Memorial Day, May 25, he said.
Granite memorial stones for the Merchant Marines, the National Guard and the Coast Guard should be included at the park, Solon VFW Post Cmdr. Jack Tesmer said. "To not include a stone for them would be unforgivable. The Merchant Marines serves alongside the Navy and the Army," he said.
"I believe, if we are to properly represent and serve the veteran community past, present and future, and considering the war on terror has struck our homeland, that we should not settle for exclusivity by attempting to group these units under the Army or Navy," he said.
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