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DuPage board approves $40,000 for victims-of-violence memorial after debate over scope and fundraising
Summary
The DuPage County Finance Committee approved a $40,000 transfer to build a memorial park "dedicated to victims of violence," prompting debate about whether to focus on gun violence, how to fund commemorative elements and whether to add a digital companion linking to resources.
The DuPage County Finance Committee on March 10 approved a $40,000 transfer to build a memorial park "dedicated to victims of violence in DuPage County," after members debated whether the site should single out gun violence or honor a broader set of victims.
The motion, moved by Member Dart and seconded by Member Evans, carried after discussion of design and fundraising details. Dart, who proposed the $40,000 appropriation, said the project is a "wonderful idea" and moved the transfer to begin construction.
Members disagreed about the park's scope. Member Honik urged pairing the physical memorial with a digital companion to improve equity and access, suggesting "a QR code that leads to different resources for domestic violence, suicide prevention, gun violence," so families who cannot afford a paver or tree can still be included. Several members raised the equity concern that individual pavers or trees favor people who can pay for them and suggested group-dedicated elements as an alternative.
Staff described the plan as a relatively small, largely in-house project that could be built in about three to four months and noted the county typically expects to recoup some costs through the sale of trees and other dedications over time. County staff also said prior memorials had been funded with county dollars rather than private fundraising and that the state's attorney had recommended the inclusive phrasing "victims of violence" so county funds could be used.
Members suggested complementary prevention steps. Member Z proposed a pilot program to distribute gun locks and partner with the health department and local law enforcement, arguing the county should pair commemoration with efforts to reduce future harm.
The board also agreed to further policy discussion about how dedications would be managed (trees, pavers, signage and the digital companion) and to review implementation details in a public works committee before finalizing signage and dedication policies.
The county authorized the $40,000 transfer and directed staff to proceed with design and procurement under the approved budget and timeline.
