New Veterans Park Plan Advances In Somers

SOMERS, CT — A long-planned veterans park and healing garden in Somers has cleared a key town step and is moving into its next phase.

The Somers Veterans & Families Legacy Park project has been approved through the town’s Capital Improvement Plan process, according to a May 16 announcement from the Somers Veterans & Families Legacy Park Ad Hoc Committee and the Somers Department of Veterans Affairs.

The project, also known as the Somers Veterans Memorial Park & Healing Garden, is planned as a community space for remembrance, healing, reflection and education.

Organizers said the park is meant to honor veterans, military families, caregivers and future generations while preserving stories of service, sacrifice and resilience.

The approval means the committee can begin moving into construction-related planning, cost estimating, engineering coordination, fundraising, community partnerships and continued public engagement.

The committee had discussed the importance of CIP approval during its April 29 meeting, when Town Liaison Todd Rolland briefed members on the process and next steps. The minutes said the project needed to be approved through the CIP process before fundraising could begin.

The minutes also said that once the project was approved, the town could create a restricted fund line for donations tied to the park. Donations may be accepted through the town or through a nonprofit, depending on the final structure.

As part of the next phase, organizers announced the formation of Legacy of Service: Somers Veterans Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The foundation is expected to help support fundraising and long-term development efforts for the park project and other veteran-focused community efforts.

The committee also finalized the park’s name during its April 29 meeting. According to the minutes, “Somers Veterans and Families Legacy Park” received four votes, while all other options received one vote each, and the name was adopted unanimously.

The committee also heard from Terry L. Glusko Sr., a retired U.S. Air Force senior master sergeant, who gave a presentation on the East Longmeadow memorial project. The presentation included fundraising strategies, permitting lessons, project phasing, cost increases and long-term planning, according to the minutes.

Committee members also discussed grant research, partnerships, stakeholder engagement and the possible use of fundraising tools such as QR-code donation systems and donor tracking.

Residents will be able to learn more about the project during the Somers Veterans Coffeehouse from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Somers Town Hall Auditorium, 600 Main St.

Organizers said the gathering will honor those who served, support the nation’s warfighters, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and introduce the community to the new Legacy of Service foundation.

“The committee extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who has helped move this vision forward,” organizers said in the announcement. “While much work remains ahead, this milestone demonstrates what can be accomplished when a community comes together with purpose, service, and heart.”