OIA Makes Donation To Veterans Park Renovation

The effort to rebuild Veterans Memorial Park at Academy Place has received a big boost. The board of directors of the Orleans Improvement Association has donated $10,000 to be used toward capital improvements in the park design plan, and is encouraging others to contribute. 

The OIA over the years has demonstrated a history of supporting improvements and beautification to the Town of Orleans. Together, the nonprofit Veterans Memorial Park at Academy Place, Inc. and the association are recruiting others to share this vision and match this funding by Memorial Day, as this key location at Main Street and Route 28 comes alive. 

Veterans Memorial Park at Academy Place Inc. is also pleased to announce that it will be ordering and placing inscribed bricks for “each Massachusetts veteran” who has died in action since 9/11. These heroes are linked to the Gold Star Family and The Massachusetts Fallen Heroes organizations. As of now, there are 301 such Veterans over this almost 25-year period. This is a lasting tribute across many theaters and adds significant recognition to the historic park.

The nonprofit will be looking to set these bricks together with almost all of the donor brick orders to date in the northern circle of the park. The head of the circle will also receive a donor-funded granite podium-style monument recognizing the War of 1812 Battle of Orleans, which will face the World War II monument overlooking the lawn. Verification of these Orleans militia will be reviewed by the Centers for Culture and History in Orleans, the Orleans historic committee and the Veterans and Memorial Day committee.

In addition, the Civil War monument currently at Main Street which contains the names of 58 of Orleans most noteworthy families will be replicated with donations for a new brass plaque and boulder at the eastern side of the park. 

The nonprofit continues to seek sponsors, families and donors with inscribed brick orders for “any veteran” who served or is currently serving. The initial order cutoff for this phase of the park renovation will be announced as Memorial Day approaches. 

As mentioned, the nonprofit is still looking to receive more sponsors and donors toward the replacement of the Vietnam and Korea monuments, placement of the park’s remaining granite backless benches and for landscaping amenities, gardens and shrubs.

For any questions or assistance, contact www.vetsparkacademyplace.org.