The local American Legion and Auxiliary will march ahead with a plan to develop a veterans park in Oconto Falls.
The Oconto Falls Planning Commission and City Council, after reviewing an updated design, voted unanimously to let the project proceed.
“I like it. I like the concept,” said Marty Coopman, chair of the Planning Commission
“It looks very nice,” added Chique Tousey-Tabar, Planning Commission member.
The park is proposed on city-owned green space southeast of Parkview Apartments on Central Avenue.
In the design presented March 11, American and POW/MIA flags anchor a row of six more flags, each representing a branch of the service. In a wide arc encircling the flags are 5-foot-high panels composed of bricks that will be inscribed with the names of veterans. Benches and boxes of flowers are located throughout the park, and a walkway surrounds it.
The existing stone monument on the corner of Central Avenue and Franklin Street will remain as is, without being incorporated into the project.
Tousey-Tabar said an expanded tribute to veterans is a good idea.
“I think the veterans deserve more than what’s there,” she said.
Mayor Brad Rice also spoke in favor of the project, saying, “It’s green space that’s not being used.”
Alderperson Don Osborne questioned if drainage would be a problem, asking if adding fill to the low spots on the lot would affect nearby properties.
Jim Kardoske, a project volunteer, said the park’s design allows water to drain toward Washington Street and not toward the apartment complex. The city’s building inspector, in a memo to the Planning Commission, said the project can proceed if the vision for motorists at the intersections isn’t jeopardized and setbacks are appropriate.
The inspiration for the park came from Marie Magnin after the death of her husband, Chub, who had been a Legion member for 60-plus years. She said she wanted to do something to recognize veterans and improve the city.
The project is estimated to cost from $100,000 to $130,000. Organizers plan to apply for grants and continue a fundraising drive that started on Memorial Day weekend.
“We won’t expect the city to pay anything,” Magnin said.
The city will continue to be responsible for the upkeep of the area.
Bricks are on sale for $100 and $300, depending on their size. Magnin said it may take several years before enough money is raised to begin construction.
Individuals interested in donating may call Magnin at 920-846-3391, or contact any Legion or Auxiliary member.
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