Council conditionally approves renaming City Hall courtyard to Leawood Veterans Memorial Plaza

The governing body unanimously approved a contingent request on March 17 to name the City Hall courtyard “Leawood Veterans Memorial Plaza,” subject to the consent of the Douthat family, whose prior land donations and memorials were discussed during the item.

Pam Duggan, representing the Veterans Memorial Group, told the council the organization seeks to add a granite sign in the southwest corner of a planter bed and to integrate the sign with the group’s broader memorial and plaque project. “This would be integrated into the full project if approved,” Duggan said when asked about timing of plaque dedications.

Councilmembers discussed notifying and seeking consent from the Douthat family because of their historic donations of land used for the town center and library. Alice Hawke (address provided for the record) said she would contact the family; councilmember Larson and councilmember Sunkel moved and seconded a contingent approval, respectively.

Mayor Mark E. Elkins and several councilmembers voiced strong support for the project while acknowledging the name would broaden the scope of the modest flag-and-plaque memorial that currently sits in the courtyard. One councilmember noted the motion would expand the memorial’s footprint and prominence; others said the added recognition of veterans was appropriate.

The motion passed unanimously with the condition that staff confirm the Douthat family’s consent before the matter is finalized. Staff said, if consent is received, the signing and related donor-funded elements would proceed as part of the memorial fundraising and installation plans.