Groundbreaking ceremony held for Poway Veterans Park
After years of dreaming about a place to honor local veterans, a ground-breaking ceremony was held Monday at just such a site — the future Poway Veterans Park on Midland Road.
During the ceremony, Poway City Councilman Jim Cunningham said, “I know that many of the vets are still thinking, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it,’ but it’s going to happen.”
He applauded representatives from the Poway chapters of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Navy Fleet Reserve Association and the Elks for their dedication and determination in sticking to their goal.
The dream to have a dedicated site began about 15 years ago, said Ed Harmon, past president of the local American Legion.
“Fifteen years ago, we didn’t have city backing, but we seem to have come together,” he said. “Finally, we (also) have cohesion with veteran groups (in Poway).”
That cohesiveness, along with assistance from Cunningham, as well as design and project planning by city engineer Jeff Beers, have made all the difference, Harmon added.
Kevin Farrell, a previous VFW post commander and Vietnam veteran, said that the reality of having such a park is beginning to sink in for those who wanted it.
“I want my son to have a place to take his kids and see the names of the people who have served (this country), he said.
“I think a lot of baby boomers will make certain that our vets won’t be forgotten,” Farrell said.
The veterans committee has raised $100,000 thus far, and expects to raise another $25,000 in the weeks ahead.
A compass rose, surrounded by flags from all branches of the military, plus the saying “some gave all, all gave some,” will be part of a circular gathering place for future activities.
A wall of honor, filled with commemorative tiles, will surround the circular setting.
The vets’ big push now is to sell more tiles, $150 for the small size, $350 for the large ones. Deadline for the first orders is Aug. 15, which would allow those tiles to be installed in time for opening ceremonies set for 11 a.m. on Veteran’s Day this November.
Checks should be mailed to: Poway Veterans Park Committee, P.O. Box 824, Poway, CA 92074. For details, go to www.poway.org.
Late next week, bulldozers are expected to start turning up dirt at the Midland site, near Adrian Street, said city engineer Jeff Beers.
The construction bid was awarded to Palm Engineering Construction Company Inc., San Diego.
That firm offered the lowest bid, $384,000, more than the city’s original estimate of between $260,000 to $280,000 to complete the park.
The city has funds left over from previous projects to assure the veterans park will be constructed.
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