$12,000 Veterans Memorial Parks Beautification Advances to Council

Tim Dibble, secretary of the Ashtabula Parks and Recreation Board, presented a detailed proposal for phase one improvements to two memorial parks. The committee voted unanimously to advance it to full City Council. Phase 1 Components: 1. Two Granite Cenotaphs ($1,400-$1,800 total) Matching the existing Lewis Shepard Medal of Honor memorial, honoring: - Private Isaac James — Ashtabula''s second Medal of Honor recipient (Civil War), recently discovered - Lenel Dolby Moore — Ashtabula''s Montford Point Marine who received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012. Mr. Moore passed away in his 90s in 2021 Cost estimate provided by County Commissioner and funeral director J.P. Ducro IV 2. Blue Star Memorial Marker (~$2,500) Nationally recognized marker honoring all who served, to be installed at Veterans Memorial Park 3. Gold Star Memorial Marker (~$2,500) Honoring families of fallen service members, to be installed at Lance Corporal Kevin M. Cornelius Memorial Park near the fountain, facing West 44th Street 4. Beautification Partnership with A-Tech ($4,000-$5,000) Horticulture instructor Ken Noble and students will plant patriotic-themed gardens including: - Forget-me-nots (representing Disabled American Veterans) - Poppies (American Legion and VFW) - Red and gold flowers at the Cornelius memorial (Marine Corps colors) - Flowers arranged in the shape of "USA" and an American flag Timeline: - Cenotaphs and plantings targeted for Memorial Day, May 25, 2026 - Blue and Gold Star markers have 6-9 month fabrication time; dedication ceremony to follow delivery Source: City of Ashtabula Community Development Committee Meeting, March 4, 2026