Waldorf Veterans Memorial?

In early March, the city of Waldorf received a grant for $3,000 from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council for completion of a 50-foot-long mural. The location is the old “Eisen” building across the street from the community center. Part of the grant application included an announcement of another project, the “Waldorf Veterans Memorial Park.” 

The project, at this point, is still foggy and may not actually happen. 

But it will if Waldorf resident Charlie Barnes has anything to say about it. 

“I’ve got all this in my head and I think we can do it,” Barnes said during a public presentation at the Waldorf City Council meeting on March 13. 

“I really shouldn’t put a number on it, but I think this project is going to be around $80,000,” Barnes said. “Although I want to see this through, I don’t expect this to get done this summer. This project is for the veterans, for the community… I want to hear music. We’ll get the barn boys out there.”

Barnes and mayor Rob Wilkening hint that the project may already have one large backer and point to numerous local groups who could support the park, including the Waseca Area Foundation, area veteran organizations, and the Waseca Memorial Park Committee which Barnes is a member of. 

The purpose of the Waldorf Veterans Memorial Park (WVMP) is “to provide a commemorative place to celebrate the historical community of Waldorf, Minnesota, and the memory of all American Veterans who served our country to protect and provide us our freedom and peaceful way of life.”

“It’ll really beautify the downtown area,” Wilkening said during the meeting. 

Everyone in attendance, including Barnes, agreed the city would not participate financially in this project. 

So how would it work?

Once the city of Waldorf gives the okay for Barnes to proceed, he will donate the land across from the community center to the city. The size of the space is about 50 feet by 70 feet long. 

Next, a design, currently in development, would be discussed and then approved by the city council. 

The design would include the following

1. Three flag poles to be used for the American Flag, the State of Minnesota Flag, and a POW flag. These poles must include appropriate foundation and lighting.

2. A large memorial rock or stone that will display a memorial plaque to be provided by the American Legion.

3. A large 20° gazebo designed in a tasteful manner with appropriate foundation, lighting, and power connections.

4. Park benches that will surround the gazebo for public enjoyment.

5. Lighting for evening enjoyment of the park and mural.

6. A cobblestone walkway from the street sidewalk to the gazebo.

Barnes provided a rough design for what the project could look like. 

He also provided the council with a list of “stipulations”:

1. The City of Waldorf will recognize this plot of land as the Waldorf Veterans Memorial

Park.

2. The City of Waldorf may not modify the use of, or sell this plot of land for a period of 50 consecutive years.

3. The City of Waldorf must manage the cost of maintenance, upkeep, and repairs to the Waldorf Veterans Memorial Park.

4. The City of Waldorf will maintain appropriate insurance for public use of the park, and coverage for any damage to the park or the mural.

5. The City of Waldorf will recognize and include the Waldorf American Legion Post #587 in regard to any changes, mediation, upkeep, or issues pertaining to the Waldorf Veterans Memorial Park.

Barnes assured everyone the town of Waldorf will not be asked to provide any “primary funding” for the initial development and building of the Waldorf Veterans Memorial Park.

“Funding for the park should be raised through grants and voluntary donations from patrons, organizations, and businesses who wish to be involved in our endeavor,” a handout provided to residents read. 

Barnes outlined the steps the city should take if they decide to move forward:

1. Assign a director to manage and document fundraising and the use of money raised for the Waldorf Veterans Memorial Park.

2. Open a bank checking account to be used solely for the Waldorf Veterans Memorial

Park.

3. Approve the use of the City of Waldorf tax exemption status for park fundraising.

Barnes cited several cost considerations the city should take into account before proceeding: maintenance (short and long term), insurance, electrical, water/sewer, taxes and supplies.

In order to move forward the city council will need to proceed with a public hearing and then take action on the project. No action was taken during the March meeting and the topic will be discussed in great detail in April. 

“Everybody feels encouraged about this?” Mayor Wilkening asked.

He was met with a collective “head nod” from all those in attendance.

“Thank you kindly.” Barnes concluded.