COMMERCE CITY – The city soon will begin work to renovate the Veterans Memorial, located just north of the Commerce City Recreation Center, a project that aims to commemorate both veterans and the citizens who built the original structure.The work is expected to be completed this fall, barring bad weather. Plans are to unveil the refurbished memorial during a special event honoring veterans in November.
The memorial, built in 1988, is showing signs of wear. Some of the bricks in the foundation have shifted and half-walls at the front of the memorial show signs of erosion, attributed to well water used for surrounding plants.
“This is an important monument to Commerce City and its veterans,” said Mayor Paul Natale. “We want to make sure it continues to serve as a fitting tribute to our military.”
The memorial was originally built by community volunteers and veterans groups who mixed the concrete and set the stones themselves. Fundraising efforts and private donations paid for its construction.
“By refurbishing the memorial, we are also honoring those citizens and their hard work in establishing this wonderful monument,” Natale said.
City Council members approved $75,000 for the renovation in the 2010 budget process. The design will remain much the same, with a new feature honoring veterans. Brick pavers, which can be etched with names and service information, will be used on the ramp walkway of the memorial.
A committee chose the new look from three design options. The group was made up of veterans, community members, city staff and members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. They chose complementary shades of gray for the concrete and stone veneer of the bricks. New half-walls will replace the old brick ones, with a cap atop for seating.
Expanded landscaping will be installed, with drip irrigation for plants closest to the memorial. The stone monument, made up of three separate slabs, will remain unchanged. It bears an inscription honoring veterans, thanking volunteers and the year of construction, as well as insignia of the nation’s military branches.
About 2,000 brick pavers will be available for honoring veterans. There are 1,700 4x8 pavers, $100 each, and 283 8x8 pavers for $250 each. The 8x8 bricks will hold information for two veterans. These fees will help offset the cost of the renovation and create a dedicated fund for ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the memorial.
The city will make these bricks available for purchase and etching through Aug. 30 this year, then again for a few months each year until all available bricks are used. The timelines are set to allow etching to be completed before Veterans’ Day of this year, and before Memorial Day in subsequent years.
For more information about the memorial brick program, eligibility questions, and to purchase a brick, call 303-289-3789.
