Item 9.2
Update on the Veterans Liberty Garden Project
July 23, 2025
1 This is a discussion item to provide an update on the Veterans Liberty Garden project, including progress on design development, refinements to the sponsorship program, and recent community engagement activities. No Council action is requested at this time.
Recommendation
2 • On November 12, 2024, the City Council approved the Veterans Recognition Project.
• On May 14, 2025, Council approved the conceptual design:
• Complete final design development
• Refine cost estimates
• Expand community engagement to support sponsorship and implementation
• A Council-appointed Ad-Hoc Committee continues to guide design, outreach, and sponsorship efforts.
Background
3 Discussion
4 Discussion
5 Discussion
6 Discussion
7 • Consultant is finalizing full engineering and
architectural construction drawings.
• Submittal to City for formal review expected
within the next week.
• This milestone will support:
- Assessment of construction timelines
- Validation of cost estimates
Discussion – Design Development Progress
• One sponsor per element to preserve
commemorative significance and ease
maintenance
- Applies to benches, flagpoles, trees,
signage, statue, etc.
• No shared sponsorships going forward
• New sponsorship opportunity added:
- Monument Wall for $30,000
Discussion –Sponsorship Program Refinement
Total Raised as of July 15, 2025: $62,525
• Major Sponsorships & Donations: $53,275
Discussion – Sponsorship & Fundraising Snapshot
Sponsorship Element Sponsored Available
Statue 1 0
Entrance Sign 0 1
Flag Poles 2 0
Concrete Seat Benches 4 0
Trees 8 4
Monument Wall 0 1
• 62 bricks sold.
• $9,250 raised through brick sales.
• Provides meaningful opportunity for residents to:
- Honor a loved one
- Support commemorative project elements
Discussion – Commemorative Brick Campaign
• Strong engagement at in-person events
• Approximately 20 residents engaged per event
• Outreach Locations:
- Farmers Market (Alternate Sundays)
- Kite Festival & Juneteenth
- State of the City
- July 4 Parade & Celebration
• Exploring Facebook advertising
Discussion – Community Engagement & Outreach
• No fiscal action required at this time.
• Funds Raised as of July 15, 2025:
- $62,525 from sponsorships and brick sales.
- Covers over half of the estimated $110,000 commemorative enhancements cost. • Remaining fundraising goal is $47,500.
• Next Steps:
- Ad-Hoc Committee will continue targeted outreach and community engagement.
Fiscal Impact
• May 2025 – Finalize conceptual Design and establish fundraising goals • July 2025 – Complete detailed design and cost estimates • September 2025 – Finalize funding commitments.
• November 11, 2025 (Target Goal) – Groundbreaking ceremony for the Veterans Liberty Garden, contingent on design approval, secured funding and weather.
Next Steps and Timeline
Next Steps and Timeline
15 • May 2025 – Finalize conceptual Design and establish fundraising goals • July 2025 – Complete detailed design and cost estimates • September 2025 – Finalize funding commitments.
• November 11, 2025 (Target Goal) – Groundbreaking ceremony for the Veterans Liberty Garden, contingent on design approval, secured funding and weather.
This is a discussion item to provide an update on the Veterans Liberty Garden project, including progress on design development, refinements to the sponsorship program, and recent community engagement activities. No Council action is requested at this time.
Recommendation
16 Questions?
17