Memorial Park is a beautiful place that is home to people of all walks of life. It also offers a variety of recreational activities.
The June 5 Memorial Park utilizes innovative construction methods to highlight the natural qualities of its building materials. This adds to the positive atmosphere of the space and contributes to the healing process.
The History of Memorial Park
Memorial parks allow people to remember loved ones in a beautiful setting. Their lush gardens and tranquil ambiance create a sense of peace and calm, allowing people to forget their worries for a while. They also serve as a symbol of hope, reminding us that life goes on even after loss and that love endures.
The Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, who are responsible for designing many other significant sites across the country including the Biltmore Estate and several National Parks. It features a grove of established London plane trees (destroyed by Hurricane Sandy and since replanted) and a peaceful seating area beside the water.
The Gold Star Monument is the newest in the Park and was erected in conjunction with the Woody Williams Foundation and Delaware Gold Star families. It is unique in that it features a void design to represent those missing forever from their cherished family members. The void is also an important reminder that life is precious and that we should cherish every moment of our lives.
Memorial Park’s Design
The design of Memorial Park honors the soldiers and citizens who preserved, protected, and served America throughout its history. It consists of many winding drives, lanes and bypaths, each named for a specific battle or locale, including the main drive known as the Meuse-Argonne Drive, the Cantigny path, and the Somme path. The paved paths are planted with significant profusion of shade-producing trees, and a grassy landscape covers the entire site.
The park also features a unique “learning room” defined by low-lying perimeter shrubbery where 234 granite markers are placed. These markers resemble tombstones with their broken edges to reflect the shattered lives of those persecuted by Nazism during World War Two.
This project builds upon the guiding values and goals of the Memorial Park Master Plan and was developed in consultation with the community. It includes the construction of a land bridge, incorporating hydrological functions that include stormwater capture and reuse, water quality treatment and habitat connectivity.
Memorial Park’s Construction
Memorial parks provide visitors with a serene place to pay respects and reflect on the past. Unlike traditional cemeteries, memorial parks lack competing headstones and instead use dignified sculptured bronze plaques lying flat on landscaped plots. The parks are designed with park-like rolling lawns and a variety of landscape features such as fountains, gardens and benches for contemplation.
The Memorial Park Aquatics Center Project is the first phase of the City’s larger Ten-Year Plan to renovate its premier parks. This project replaces the pool, pool equipment building and adjacent site work and aims to improve operational efficiencies and programming opportunities.
This project also re-engineers and repairs pond and forebay infrastructure that is overwhelmed by stormwater flows and failing to function properly. A restored network of prairie and wetlands will re-introduce endangered native species, expand the Park’s existing trail system, promote regional biodiversity and function as a green sponge to absorb and clean stormwater. Together, the Land Bridge and Prairie will distinguish Memorial Park and serve as an icon of a greener future.
Memorial Park’s Functions
The memorial park serves as a physical representation of the shared history and heritage of a community. It helps to establish a common cultural identity that can bring people together, foster a sense of belonging, and promote healing.
The original Memorial Walls, dedicated in 1956, were the result of a drive by the Clarke County Historical Society to commemorate local servicemen who died during World War II and World War I. Over the years, the park has grown to include miles of multi-use trails, a picnic loop, tennis courts, softball fields and a native zoo.
In addition to serving as a place for families to visit and reflect, memorial parks also offer a variety of events and activities that help to support the community. These events can include candlelight vigils, picnics, and memorial services. This is an important aspect of the function of a memorial park because it provides comfort and support to those who have lost a loved one.