The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Signs of life at Living Memorial park
First phase could be ready for use by early fall
Chardon Living Memorial Park continues to be a work in progress, but at least it’s progressing, supporters say.
Ground was broken in early July and elements of the project at 220 Basquin Drive are starting to take shape.
“I do know that the fitness center is complete; (the) play center is underway,” said Steve Turpin, who led the fund-raising effort launched in April 2015 on behalf of nonprofit Chardon Tomorrow.
The original goal was to complete the 17-acre park by June 2016. Turpin expressed relief that there is movement on the first phase, to include a reflection shelter, an asphalt path among the features, commemoration plaques, benches and a welcoming statue, as well as the fitness and play equipment.
Phase 2 involves improving a half-mile fitness trail through the adjacent woods.
“We still need a path forward … with respect to the refurbished trail,” he said. “I am on the case and hope to drive to a solution soon.”
Dale Griffis of Chardonbased Cold Harbor Building Co. is donating his services to construct Phase 1. Early October is the target for opening.
None of the fitness or play equipment is open for use at this time, according to officials.
“I’m sure when the city is done with construction there will be a formal ceremony of some sort,” said Jeff Smock, city councilman and Chardon Tomorrow
treasurer. “I’m just glad to see that it’s progressing. It’s taking longer probably than anyone expected it to, but hopefully there’s an end in sight, and everyone will be happy when it’s completed and can be used.”
The fund-raising goal of about $300,000 was met — and exceeded — last summer.
Nearly $140,000 in cash was raised, grants helped to purchase equipment at a discount, and the remainder is coming from inkind contributions, such as Griffis’.
His wife, Coco, in December
made an impassioned plea to City Council to accept responsibility for the park’s maintenance so that the project could proceed. This week, she said she was pleased with community response.
“I’m extremely excited to be at this point where we can make the plans so many people helped to make become a reality,” Coco Griffis said. “There are so many people and companies who are generously offering their time and talents to construct the park. It’s a community effort and again shows us why Chardon is a
The original goal was to complete the 17-acre park by June 2016. Turpin expressed relief that there is movement on the first phase, to include a reflection shelter, an asphalt path among the features, commemoration plaques, benches and a welcoming statue, as well as the fitness and play equipment.
very special place.”
In May, Council approved a proposal from Chardon High School graduate Molly Hegner to paint a mural for the park, with the help of other artists. The design is similar to the park logo, depicting children at play amid maple leaves. The artwork is to be added this fall at a location to be determined with the help of city staff.
Hegner was a freshman at the high school in 2012, when a 17-year-old gunman opened fire in the building, killing three children and wounding three more.
The park is to serve to honor the lives lost, celebrate the survivors and acknowledge the community that came together following the tragedy.