February 14, 2023 |
In Saratoga, efforts to finish Never Forget Park have been reignited after stalling out last year.
The green space commemorating Sgt. Tyler Pickett, the Iraq war hero from Saratoga, was delayed while waited town officials waited for design plans from an engineering firm. The curb and gutter plans were finally delivered last September. The town received no suitable bids during the bidding process. As a result, hopes to start the work before winter could not be realized.
During last Tuesday’s Saratoga Town Council Meeting, Never Forget Park Committee member Stacy Crimmins said her organization has been working to get the park funded and finished. She asked the council to authorize a $50,000 AARP flagship grant.
Pictured above: Drawing of Never Forget Park by Stacy Crimmins.
According to the AARP website, the grant is part of the AARP Community Challenge program. Through a series of funding opportunities, the grants are used to make communities more livable for people of all ages. Flagship grants are used to create vibrant public spaces and other town improvement projects.
Town Clerk Marie Christen read the resolution allowing Crimmins to apply for the grant.
Still reading from the resolution, Christen said Never Forget Park Committee members are permitted to handle the grant process. The resolution allowed Crimmins to use the grant money to fund the park.
Mayor Chuck Davis requested the council make a motion to adopt the resolution. The motion was presented, seconded, and passed. Mayor Davis said he will advertise for contractors again during next Tuesday’s meeting.
To learn more about the Never Forget Park and Staff Sgt. Tyler Pickett, or to donate money, visit neverforgetpark.com.
