Memorial Island Renovations Revealed

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - May 26, 2015 - PRLog -- Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) joined the Lafayette Parks Department and the Lafayette Parks Foundation, in revealing the completion of the first phase of renovations to Memorial Island at Columbian Park at a celebration on Memorial Day.

Memorial Island was designed in 1948 to honor local veterans who had served in our nation’s military. There are fi ve distinct components to Memorial Island which include the Loeb Fountain (non operational at this time), Memorial Bridge, “Duck” Island, the Amphitheater, and the Northeast Entrance. While each of these components exists in its original location, there has been much deterioration of these structuresover the past several decades. The fi rst phase of renovations to Memorial Island included refurbishing existing memorials and making structural improvements to all fi ve components. A permanent sound system has been installed in the Amphitheater in order to enhance programs and performances held at the park.

“Subaru of Indiana Automotive has been recognized several times for our support of SIA Associates serving in the armed forces,” stated SIA Executive Vice President Tom Easterday. “We are truly honored to have led this renovation and enhancement of Memorial Island to pay tribute to all of the veterans in our community. This is an outstanding community project, honoring great American heroes.”

Several members of the Gold Star Mothers, an organization of mothers and families who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country, were on hand as SIA, park and city offi cials unveiled the community’s newest memorial, dedicated to the Gold Star Families. The monument, inspired by Hershel “Woody” Williams, war hero and founder of the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, depicts the cut out of a missing soldier, representing the sacrifi ce of life for peace and freedom.

“The renovations to Memorial Island and the addition of the Gold Star Families monument could not have been possible without the support of many individuals and businesses throughout our community,” said SIA’s Director of Community Relations, Richard Johnson. “We are fortunate to have such a supportive community in which we can accomplish so much together.”

The Memorial Island renovation project, aimed at attracting visitors and restoring Memorial Island to its original beauty, will provide a centralized site at which the community can come to honor the memories of our local military heroes. As part of the effort to create a centralized memorial site, several war memorials that were located throughout the area were brought to Memorial Island.

While initial renovations and landscape improvements of Memorial island have been completed, additional beautifi cation strategies include a comprehensive landscape plan, including hardscapes and interpretive signage.