VETERANS MEMORIAL GROUNDBREAKING LAUNCHING CONSTRUCTION

The first major initiative to begin a transformation of the Westerville Sports Complex is scheduled for its groundbreaking on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11. The Westerville Veterans Memorial will blend history, culture, art and recreation with the existing sports environment to create a new signature space to honor and celebrate our veterans.

“Westerville is thriving because the generation before us made sacrifices we don’t have to make today,” said Monica Irelan, Westerville City Manager. “The Sports Complex is really becoming synonymous with the sense of patriotism many in Westerville feel, and it’s the right location for an expanded veterans’ centerpiece.”

This project renews and replaces an existing, smaller memorial that sits in front of the abandoned Armory on South State Street. The existing memorial was tied to the building, which once housed a medical infantry unit of the Ohio National Guard (see “The Story Behind” on page 17). Now that the space has been sold to COhatch for redevelopment, plans to move and pair it with the new construction project are underway.

The new memorial will build upon the existing market, rising to meet the community’s tradition of honoring the lives and legacies of its sons and daughters who have served or are serving to protect our freedoms. It will also be in a space well known to the community, which also hosts the annual Field of Heroes and now 4th of July festivities.

The Field of Heroes attracts crowds in the thousands each Memorial Day weekend, and the new site for fireworks and festivities in July brought out big crowds for expanded entertainment and better visibility. The pairing of these events with a permanent Veterans Memorial space is intentional, says Irelan.

“We know that in Westerville, residents and visitors discover themselves in our parks, and this project is no different,” she said. “It presents an opportunity for residents and visitors to honor those who served this country to protect our way of life, including those who lived or have lived locally.”

Illustrations for the Westerville Veterans Memorial project are online at www.westerville.org/veteransmemorial.

WHAT WILL THE MEMORIAL REPRESENT?

Veterans who served in any one of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces will be represented at the Westerville Veterans Memorial, along with their families. This memorial intentionally focuses on “all” who serve, featuring the impact on spouses, children and other family members through service and sacrifice. There will be spaces of reflection, inspiration and storytelling, including the unique perspective of a soldier’s journey.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Individuals may review donation and sponsorship opportunities to recognize a veteran. Fundraising is ongoing for the development of the park. The projected cost of the total project is $1.7 million. Westerville Parks and Recreation has appropriated $1 million for the project. The Westerville Parks Foundation has committed to raise another $700,000 to complete it. Additionally, programming is in development for special occasions, including the installation of annual military banners. To purchase a banner or learn more, visit www.westerville.org/militarybanners.

WHEN WILL THE PROJECT BE COMPLETED?

This project is scheduled for a Veterans Day groundbreaking to a Veterans Day (2022) dedication. Construction and weather permitting, the City will announce details of the new park dedication in the Sept./ Oct. 2022 issue of this publication (or earlier). To monitor progress, visit www.westerville.org/veteransmemorial.

VETERANS MEMORIAL GROUNDBREAKING Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. WESTERVILLE SPORTS COMPLEX 325 N. CLEVELAND AVE.