The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Veterans Committee are planning a major renovation project for the Veterans Memorial at Lakewood Park.  The plan includes making the site more accessible for people with disabilities, replacing the concrete pad surrounding the Veterans Monument, adding a brick paver walkway, shifting the memorial area so it faces north instead of south, new landscaping and adding military markers for each branch of the armed services.  The Veterans Monument and the cannon will remain in their current location.  Matthew McCue, an architect with McCue Design Group, donated his time to create a landscape master plan for the Memorial.

On August 5th, the Lakewood Planning Commission approved the proposal for changes to the Lakewood Veterans Memorial which address accessibility and aesthetics for the site.  The Planning Commission decided to incorporate this proposal into the City’s Master Plan and the Lakewood Park Master Plan as it is consistent with our Parks Initiatives.  On August 25, 2008, the plan was presented to Lakewood City Council.

The Lakewood Veterans Committee has asked John Kikol to be the Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Renovation Project.  Mr. Kikol has organized many regional events and fund raising efforts for the families of our military, police and firefighters.

The Veterans Committee is planning to raise funds for this project and is hopeful they can get many of the supplies and labor donated.  A brick paver campaign has already begun that offers people the opportunity to purchase engraved bricks to surround the Veterans Memorial area.  Fundraising efforts also allow individuals to donate money for benches and trees.

Donation forms are available at Lakewood City Hall, on the City of Lakewood website at www.onelakewood.com or by calling (216) 529-6650.  Donation checks should be made payable to The Lakewood Foundation-Veterans Memorial and forwarded to The Lakewood Foundation, c/o City of Lakewood Department of Human Services 12650 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio  44107.

“My Administration has been meeting on a regular basis with the Lakewood Veterans Committee since the beginning of the year discussing the renovation project for the Veterans Memorial,” stated Mayor Ed FitzGerald.  “The Memorial has been in need of repair for some time.  Most importantly, it needs to become more accessible for people with disabilities.  We are happy to be working with the Veterans Committee to accomplish this goal.”

In addition to the Memorial Renovation, the City is also planning to adopt a National Guard unit to support the men and women who are currently serving our country. 

For more information about the Veterans Memorial Renovation Project, please contact John Kikol at (440) 327-6966 or Melissa Garrett at (216) 529-6650.