Park volunteers plan cannon move; board discusses building cradle and placement

Park volunteers and staff discussed moving a historical cannon currently in a sealed area to a prepared outdoor display and building a cradle to raise the axle off the ground. Volunteers said the sealed area allows the cannon to be relocated now, but agreed that the axle should rest on a cradle or chocks so the wheels do not sit on the ground and avoid weather exposure.

Board members and volunteers discussed logistics and next steps: confirming who will be responsible for moving the cannon, preparing a level display pad so the cannon can be measured and leveled, and building a simple cradle or chocks to keep the axle elevated. Jim Ward and other volunteers offered ideas for cradle designs and said a small crew of four or five people can roll and position the cannon with chocks and panel hooks if necessary.

A volunteer noted that many battlefields display similar cradles and that once a cradle is in place the cannon will sit an inch or so off the ground so it will be protected from snow and rain. Park staff and volunteers agreed to schedule a time to inspect the cannon in place, confirm measurements, and identify materials and labor for the cradle. Park staff (Kate) was asked to coordinate timing with volunteers and to notify the board when a moving date is set.

No formal motion or budget appropriation was recorded at the meeting; the board agreed to take practical steps and to have staff notify volunteers when measurements and moving preparations are complete.