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Council approves proposal for Children's Memorial Garden at Billings Park
Summary
A Leadership Superior Douglas County group presented and won council approval to create a Children's Memorial Garden at Second Point in Billings Park; the group will fundraise and work with local partners for installation and maintenance.
The Superior Common Council voted to approve a proposal from a Leadership Superior Douglas County project team to create a Children's Memorial Garden at Second Point in Billings Park.
The group, represented by Caitlin Baumann of University of Wisconsin–Superior, Carrie Bridal of the Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services and Stacy Mintern of the Douglas County Jail, described a phased project. "Our proposed Children's Memorial Garden will celebrate the lives of these very beautiful children, honor the love of their family and friends, and really establish a very peaceful sanctuary for everyone," Baumann told the council.
Phase one would include a focal tree, a bench and two raised planting beds; later phases may add an engraved paver pathway and a commemorative statue. The presenters said they plan to use mostly perennial plants chosen for symbolic meaning (examples given included poppies for rest and rosemary for remembrance) and to coordinate with Master Gardeners and local greenhouses to ensure sustainability.
The group provided an estimated, preliminary budget range for phase one items during the presentation: approximately $100 for a tree, about $900 for a bench or swing, $500 for materials for two raised beds, and roughly $450 for plants. They said they had not finalized fundraising and planned to set up a private GoFundMe and seek business, nonprofit and service-club sponsorships. The Superior Area Council Parent Teacher Association agreed to hold donated funds in a private account for the project's maintenance needs.
Councilors praised the presentation and expressed support for maintenance planning. After discussion, the council voted to accept the proposal; a motion to approve the project carried with no recorded opposition.
The project team asked councilors to participate in future groundbreaking and planting events. They said they would return to the council with finalized budgets and fundraising plans as they secure partners and grants.
