Construction on Sgt. Gutzwiller Memorial Moves Forward

By Kieran Kelly

Aptos residents might have noticed some big changes are underway at Willowbrook County Park. After a delayed start due to this past winter’s storms, construction workers installed a new flagpole, flowers, and plaques at the park’s southern entrance.

However, the major work will begin later this month as crews begin construction of a circular memorial bench area in a serene corner of the park surrounded by trees. The project is a touching tribute to Santa Cruz County Sheriff Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was killed in the line of duty on June 6, 2020, leaving behind his wife and two young children.

A Santa Cruz County native, Damon owned his first home in the Willowbrook neighborhood and could often be found at the park playing with his beloved dog, Shasta. His friends and family thought Willowbrook Park would be a fitting place to remember him.

“I’m pleased to see the progress on the memorial for our beloved coworker, Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller. It will be a beautiful place to honor his memory,” said Chief Deputy Jacob Ainsworth.

The memorial bench area will be constructed out of granite boulders and concrete benches and will feature the engraved footprints of Damon alongside those of his children and wife.

The Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and County Park Friends raised most of the funds for the memorial from local residents and businesses.

“This is an inspiring example of the generosity of the Aptos community. So many people came forward ready to support this tribute to Damon,” said County Supervisor Zach Friend.

Crews will also start the demolition of the park’s old playground this month to make way for a new modern playground with rubberized surfacing. The new playground should be completed later this year.

“It is heartening to see the next phase of the Willowbrook Park renovation moving forward,” said Tricia WiltshirePotts, county parks commissioner for Aptos. “The memorial is a beautiful way to honor Sgt. Gutzwiller, and the new playground will provide hours of enjoyment for our community’s children.” n •••