About a dozen people showed up for the third meeting on Veterans Park. The purpose of the meeting was to decide on a design. Participants considered the location, lighting, whether or not to use a flagpole and what type of pole, the shape and size of the monument (s), etc.
After much debate, the following emerged –
- The site should be set off to the right of the entrance, allowing for the quiet contemplation desired.
- Instead of a single monument, 5 monuments were desirable, one for each of the services.
- The shape of the monuments would be triangular, and the top would have a handmade glass tile mosaic of a folded flag created by a local artist
- Each monument would have its own wording, yet to be determined
- Walkways would branch out from the center to each of the monuments.
- The area would be highlighted with a rose garden
- There would be 4 benches. Benches would have no backs.
You can see the basic design in the photos, and a closeup of the monuments.
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Still to be determined
- A self-folding flag on a tall flagpole to appear at the middle of the area
- Lighting, if any
- Surveillance to guard against graffiti
- Option for people purchasing memorial bricks/plaques
The plans and the costs will go to the City, either on Oct 17 or the first week of November. The addition of the Veteran area is moving along and can be easily incorporated into the existing schedule.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Jim Gardner is on the City Council for Lake Forest. You can check him out on LinkedIn and/or Facebook and you can share your thoughts about the City at Lake Forest Town Square on Facebook. His comments are not meant to reflect official City Policy.
Dr. Gardner has office hours every Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm at the City Hall. In addition, he holds a mini town meeting every quarter. The next meeting will be on Dec 2 at 2 pm at the El Toro Public Library.
