City plans to add Space Force marker, Purple Heart and Gold Star to Veterans Memorial Plaza; estimated cost $60,000

In a workshop presentation, city staff proposed reconfiguring the Veterans Memorial Plaza to add a United States Space Force monument plus Purple Heart and Gold Star markers to create a symmetrical arrangement of service monuments. The presentation estimated the cost at about $60,000 and a 17‑week timeline, with staff targeting completion by Memorial Day.

Staff said the proposed layout would sequence monuments at the park entrance in order of service establishment: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, plus Purple Heart and Gold Star to create a visually balanced entrance. The presentation noted material selection for the memorial markers uses stone of a particular finish sourced from Ontario, Canada, which is a cost and timeline driver.

Parks advisory stakeholders and members of the original committee reviewed the concept, staff said. Council members asked about paver orientation and whether engraved pavers would be realigned; staff responded the existing pavers had not been installed by service order and that paver placement would not be reworked as part of this reconfiguration. Council member Guerrero asked about sequence; staff confirmed the sequence reflects establishment order of the military services. Council member Davis asked whether the timeline was feasible; staff said they were optimistic the project could be completed for an upcoming Memorial Day ceremony.

Ending: The workshop was informational; staff will proceed with design and procurement steps if council directs and will report back on schedule and funding as the project advances.