Commission hears support for Jim Price memorial at Lake Warren Park; commissioners to forward recommendation to council

Gary Campon, representing Newcastle Trails and the Price Memorial Committee, asked the Community Activities Commission to approve a proposed site and memorial stone honoring Jim Price at Lake Warren Park near the boardwalk’s west entrance.

Campon described Price as “1 of the founding members of the city of Newcastle, the greater Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, the Newcastle Arts Council, and Newcastle Trails,” and said the Price family chose the approximate site prior to boardwalk construction. He told the commission the inscription “isn't finalized, but the stone has been ordered for delivery in November.”

Staff and commissioners discussed next steps. Planner Brandon Hutchins and other staff said crews have reviewed the site and that the city will prepare the ground; Hutchins said maintenance crews will perform modest site prep. The commission’s role is to make a recommendation to city council; Hutchins explained, if the commission has no objections the proposal “goes to council, for final approval.”

Campon told the commission the memorial will be funded by donations gathered after Price’s death and currently held by Newcastle Trails: “the actual memorial is being funded by, donations that were acquired, when Jim did pass away, for this purpose that are being held by, Newcastle Trails.” Commissioners did not record any objections during the meeting and staff said they will forward the commission recommendation to council for consideration.

No formal commission vote on the memorial was recorded in the transcript; council action is required for final approval.