Poway to Break Ground for Tony Gwynn Memorial Statue

Poway, CA — A date has been set for the groundbreaking ceremony for a memorial to honor Hall of Fame baseball star, and long-time Poway resident, Tony Gwynn, according to a city announcement.

The event is set for 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 11 at the Lake Poway ballfield, where the memorial will be built.

Gwynn is widely acknowledged as the greatest San Diego Padres player in the team’s history and one of the best Major League hitters of his time. Many remember him as "Mr. Padre," and around Poway, he is also referred to as a "hometown hero."

The city's memorial reflects not only Gwynn as an athlete, but also as a friend, neighbor, family man and community contributor, according to a city statement.

The centerpiece of the memorial is a bronze statue of Gwynn, designed by Texas artist Seth Vandable, which was chosen during a nationwide search. The 10-foot statue captures Gwynn waving to the crowd with one arm, while holding a child in the other.

The memorial will also include a donor wall recognizing gifts of $250 and above.

The statue is expected to be completed by early next year, city officials said.