June 2, 2023 |
Photo – Drawing of Never Forget Park – Bigfoot99 file photo
Saratoga’s Never Forget Park committee is raising money by selling personalized plaques and benches.
The Never Forget Park project started from a desire to honor local hero, Army Staff Sergeant Tyler Pickett of Saratoga. Pickett was killed in action in 2008 while serving in Iraq. To show the town’s appreciation for Sgt. Pickett’s sacrifice, and the sacrifice of every man and woman who served our country, the Never Forget Park committee was formed. The committee’s goal is to spearhead the construction of an outdoor recreation area between Veteran’s Island and the Hot Springs Resort.
The park has slowly taken shape over the past 15 years, going through many design changes along the way. The latest curb and gutter plans were delivered this past winter. With warm weather here, Never Forget Park committee member Stacy Crimmins is eager to begin construction. However, the cost of materials, specifically asphalt, has risen significantly. More financial support from the public is needed. Crimmins is spearheading a fundraiser called “Purchase-A-Plate.”
For $100, people can purchase a metal plaque inscribed with four lines of custom text, such as the name and birthdate of a loved one. The plates will then be affixed to benches around the park. For $1,000, a person can choose to sponsor the construction of one of the benches. Crimmins described how the benches would be manufactured.
Crimmins said she expects anywhere between 12 and 15 benches to be available for purchase. She said each bench will have the name and a message from the person who sponsored it. Crimmins said the metal plaques will then be bolted around the edge of the seat.
The park is being funded by a combination of donations, grants, and money from the town. Crimmins said the “Purchase-A-Plate” fundraiser will help get construction started. She said she hopes to have the first phase of the project completed this year.
Plans for the Never Forget Park are broken up into several phases based on how much financial support the project receives. Crimmins said phase one would consist of paving the parking area and installing curbs and gutters. She said the idea is to also have electrical and irrigation systems installed in the first wave of construction.
If you would like to purchase a personalized plaque or bench, Crimmins said to deliver a check to the Saratoga town hall. She said properly addressed donations will find their way to the Never Forget Park committee.
Crimmins said the town is working to enable online donations to the Never Forget Park through its bill pay system.
Every dollar counts, said Crimmins. She said if people were feeling especially philanthropic, larger donations can be made directly to a Never Forget Park committee member.
Crimmins asked people to purchase the plates and benches as soon as possible. With summer already started, she said time is running out to have construction begin this year.
Crimmins and the Never Forget Park committee are inviting the public to help finish the park. Email info@neverforgetpark.com with any questions or to join the organization.
