Veterans Memorial proposed in Willard
A Veterans Memorial Committee is looking to create a permanent memorial in Willard.
Details were outlined in a May 5 written report by Willard City Manager Bryson Hamons ahead of a proposed resolution seeking approval from City Council to use the land in the Willard City Park Nature Area. The committee would still need permission from the Ohio Public Works Commission director for that Willard site because of partial state funding dating back more than 20 years at that specific location, Hamons noted.
In Willard, the proposed Veterans Memorial "would promote passive recreation for residents, create educational opportunities, maintain a low-impact footprint to preserve open spaces, and facilitate exploration of nature through walking paths that connect citizens to the natural environment," the report said.
Committee members reviewed a variety of sites, but many were unavailable due to being privately owned and unavailable for sale.
"Once an official site is chosen, the Honor Committee from the schools will survey local veterans to gather input on their preferences for the memorial," the report said.
To support the project, the committee plans to raffle a golf cart and host downtown basketball and pickleball tournaments June 27–28. All proceeds will go toward the future memorial, with a raffle winner announced at the Military Appreciation football game on Sept. 12.
Check back for details and updates.