The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) advisory board voted to name the memorial area at Wellington Community Park (WCP) the Veterans Garden.

Board members carried the motion at the Feb. 19 meeting after a brief update on the site and a call for a formal vote. Lauren Bachleman, PROS member, moved to name the area “Veterans Garden at Wellington Community Park,” and John Evans, PROS member, seconded the motion. The measure passed unanimously, with those present recorded as in favor.

The board’s discussion before the vote focused on the physical footprint and whether the existing platform and CAD drawings would accommodate an expanded or vertical wall for memorial elements. PROS members and Town of Wellington staff described the site as a built soil platform and said recent grading and land moves left the designated memorial space at the originally planned size. Staff encouraged members to visit the site before the next meeting to confirm dimensions and sightlines.

Although the PROS group approved the name, members clarified that the advisory board will confirm whether this action requires formal approval by the board of trustees. Eric (town staff) said he would “push it up the chain” and determine whether trustees’ consent is required or whether the naming can proceed administratively; PROS members asked staff to follow the appropriate channels so the board does not “step on toes.”

The board directed staff to follow up on the trustees’ role and return with any next steps or documentation required to finalize the naming in town records.

The vote and discussion were captured on the meeting record; PROS members emphasized that the physical work, timeline, and any fundraising or installation steps remain separate tasks that will be tracked and presented as necessary.