Proposed changes to Elgin Veterans Memorial Park to be unveiled Friday
FROM STAFF REPORTS May 16, 2012 8:12PM
Updated: June 29, 2012 9:06AM
ELGIN — During a ceremony Friday afternoon, the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park “Phase II” Committee will explain its “Extending the Honor” campaign to build a waterfront access to the downtown memorial.
According to project co-chair Jerry Turnquist, this addition to currently undeveloped shoreline of the park will allow for more-dignified ceremonies — particularly on Memorial Day — for the strewing of wreaths and flowers in the nearby Fox River to honor those who are interred at sea.
The design will be unveiled at 4 p.m. Friday at the park, along the riverfront just north of Gail Borden Public Library at 270 N. Grove Ave. Turnquist said the date was chosen because that is the day before Armed Forces Day — a date for citizens to gather and thank military members for their service in support of the country.
Professional estimates obtained by the committee show the project will cost between $62,000 and $67,000. The Elgin Breakfast Rotary Club will present a check for $10,000 at the ceremony, as will Elgin resident Elinor Richoz. Naming opportunities, which allow the donor’s name to be listed on the dedication plaque, are available for certain levels of contributions.
In addition to soliciting donations, members are raising money by selling lapel buttons and polo shirts. Pins will be available from members, at the Spring Street and Lillian Street stores of Ace Hardware, and on the day of the event.
The Phase II Committee is made up of veterans and interested residents, including some who served on the steering committee for the original memorial in 2008. Gene Banke and Turnquist are co-chairs, and Patricia Porter is secretary.
Other members include Lee Barrett, Ernie Broadnax, Ray Chelmowski, William Dreher, Elgin City Councilman Richard Dunne, state Rep. Keith Farnham, Brian McClure, Elinor Richoz, Walter Porter and Wally Wetzel.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in the library’s Community Room.
Donations may be made to the “Elgin Community Network — Phase II Fund,” P.O. Box 6520, Elgin, IL 60121, which will act as the fiscal agent for the group. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
“PayPal” and further information about the project are available at www.elginveteransmemorial.org.
