Members of the Community Activities Commission described plans to install a memorial stone honoring Jim Price at Lakebourne Park near the south end of the trail. Commissioners said funds previously raised for the memorial will be used and that they have selected a stone with artistic character that reflects Price’s interest in hiking and the arts.

The nut graf: Commissioners said Price was instrumental in early development of Newcastle trails and arts programs, and that the proposed memorial will be both a tribute and a piece of public art; staff and commissioners discussed site placement and logistics for installing a large stone.

Commissioners said the chosen location is at a corner where the old and new trails meet on the west side of the park and that they have discussed the site with parks staff and the city’s prior parks liaison. The group acknowledged the stone may require heavy equipment for placement; one commissioner joked about “tonnage” and whether a crane would be needed.

The commission emphasized the memorial is intended to honor Price’s work on trails and arts council efforts and noted Peggy Price’s community ties. Commissioners asked staff to proceed with installation planning and logistics and to coordinate with Public Works about placement and any required equipment. There was no formal vote recorded during the discussion.