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American Legion presents conceptual downtown park plan; $50,000 pledged
Summary
American Legion representatives presented conceptual plans for a downtown Kenly veterans memorial park, saying the Legion has roughly $50,000 pledged and will sell $100 memorial bricks to raise additional funds; council asked about property boundaries and preserving open space.
Representatives of the American Legion presented conceptual drawings for a proposed downtown Kenly park during the Town Council’s Aug. 12 meeting, outlining landscaping, sidewalks, benches, lighting, a six‑foot rear wall and symbolic elements representing the six branches of the military.
James Hoke and Jackie Balance told council members the American Legion has approximately $50,000 earmarked for the project and plans to raise additional funds by selling memorial bricks at $100 each. Balance stated that 548 veterans are buried in Kenly Cemetery and said the memorial bricks would be sold in their honor to support the project.
Mayor Herbert Hales II expressed interest and urged care in maximizing usable space; he asked whether property boundaries were clearly understood. Interim Town Manager Tony Sears said a survey would be part of the project process. Council Member Garrett Stancil raised concerns about preserving open space for community events, such as Christmas displays. Sears emphasized that the drawings were conceptual and part of ongoing discussion.
The council received the presentation as informational only and took no formal vote on the project at the Aug. 12 meeting. Project proponents said they would continue fundraising and coordinate with the Chamber as plans develop.
