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Veterans group outlines $30 million Veterans Arts Center and Vietnam Wall replica, seeks donors and possible VA clinic partnership
Summary
The Southern Utah Veterans Association presented a conceptual plan for a 20-acre Veterans Arts Center on Old 91; plans include a full-size Vietnam Wall replica, workshop spaces, an amphitheater and potential space for a VA clinic; organizers said $4.5 million is already designated toward a roughly $30 million goal.
Representatives of the Southern Utah Veterans Association presented conceptual drawings and a fundraising plan for a Veterans Arts Center and memorial during the county commission27s March meeting.
Jerry Van Iwarden, vice president of the association, said the group has rights to purchase a 20-acre parcel on Old 91 near the route to KJ27s Ice Barn and has retained Pacific Design Concepts for architectural work. Chuck Waddell, the association president, said the center would serve veterans, seniors, first responders, students and others and be geared toward therapy, skills training and community events.
The site plan presented includes a central gallery for artifacts, a full-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall facing I-15, workshop space for wood and metal arts, a 300-seat open-air amphitheater and space that could be leased to a Veterans Administration clinic if that option comes to pass.
Organizers said they have about $4.5 million designated so far and estimated total construction costs in the neighborhood of $30 million. They said operating expenses would run at roughly $1.5 million per year and that the association is developing endowments and other revenue sources to sustain operations.
Joel Sander, who described his experience using woodworking as personal therapy, said the center would provide hands-on workshops intended to reduce isolation and support mental-health recovery for veterans and first responders.
The presenters asked commissioners to note the project as they pursue infrastructure decisions near the site, including an interchange request the group said would improve access as the area grows. They said they will continue outreach to potential donors and partners.
