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New London resident objects to relocation of memorial rock from Memorial Park
Summary
At a New London Parks and Recreation meeting, resident Terry Gorsner pressed the committee about moving a veterans memorial rock; staff said the rock has been moved to Taft Park and will be dedicated May 26, prompting concern about the park's name and future use.
Terry Gorsner, a Montgomery Street resident, urged the New London Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee on Monday to reconsider moving a veterans memorial rock from Memorial Park and warned the move could erode the park's identity.
"Are we gonna move the memorial? Are you gonna move the stone?" Gorsner asked during the public-comment period, later adding, "once you move the memorial, the park will not be Memorial Park." He said he and other longtime residents have strong ties to the site and worried the relocation could lead to renaming or other changes.
Committee staff member Ginger responded during the meeting that the move had been carried out and that she had received an email from Peter Culver acknowledging he and Gorsner had helped bring the rock to Memorial Park originally. Ginger said the rock will be dedicated at the city's Memorial Day program on May 26.
Gorsner described the rock's previous location near the concession stand and said a plaque had been stolen at one point; he stressed personal and neighborhood investment in preserving the park's memorial character. "I want it to stay like it is," he said.
Ginger told the committee that Memorial Park remains the focus of coordinated work by youth baseball and softball organizers, the historical village, the high school and city staff; she said $50,000 is set aside in capital funds to renovate restrooms and sewer work at the park and that youth softball has been fundraising to support improvements. She also said a Memorial Park planning group will meet regularly to make plans for the site.
The committee did not take formal action on Gorsner's comment at the meeting. Ginger's remarks indicate the rock has been moved to Taft Park and that a public dedication is planned; no vote or formal policy change about the park's name was recorded in the meeting transcript.
The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, when members said they expect to continue discussion of Memorial Park planning and other items.
