Gardendale Memorial Park phase two complete

Published 11:30 am Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Crews have finished the second phase of one of Gardendale’s most patriotic projects.

A Gardendale Parks and Recreation Department crew on Wednesday further enhanced the city’s Memorial Park, using a $5,000 donation from Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins.

The project included the addition of a three-car concrete parking lot and more room for commemorative bricks. Workers also installed an automatic irrigation system and put down sod.

“The park has taken on a totally different look,” said parks and recreation superintendent Stan Hogeland.

The city and the Gardendale Beautification Commission have worked together on building a black granite memorial at the park. LaserWorks Alabama inscribed the scenes on the monument and also inscribes the names onto memorial bricks at the site.

Bricks can still be ordered for $40 each to be placed at Memorial Park. Forms are available at Gardendale City Hall or on the city’s website at www.cityofgardendale.com.

In May, the Gardendale City Council adopted a resolution to request a helicopter from the Department of the Army to be placed at the park. Hogeland said obtaining the helicopter is still in the works.

Beautification commission president Louie Pearson has said he hopes to have some veterans’ memorial ceremonies at the park.