Nonprofit proposes Vietnam War Memorial for State Capitol State Park

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) manages the grounds around the state capitol, the State Capitol State Park, including an area west of the capitol called Willson Park. A nonprofit group, the Vietnam War Memorial Fund, has proposed to construct sculptures, plaques, benches, and other elements to memorialize different aspects of the war and military service. We are interested in your feedback on the proposal.

The memorial would be in the same area of the park as the World War II memorial, the Parade of Animals play structure, and a gazebo. Nearly all the trees in this area would be incorporated into the proposed design. Three trees would be removed. One part of the memorial honors Gold Star Families using a standard design, and the nonprofit has identified three possible locations in the park for its installation. One option would require moving the Parade of Animals to a different part of Willson Park.

OPRD is collecting feedback through January 22, 2021. You can comment by email, or attend a virtual open house at 6 p.m. on January 20, 2021 (free registration required).

Read the memorial application, and a draft schematic. Watch a video walkthrough.

Comment by email, or mail to: OPRD, ATTN: Chris Havel, 725 Summer St NE, Salem OR 97301. Deadline: 5 p.m., January 22, 2021. After collecting public feedback, a committee will submit a report to OPRD Director Lisa Sumption with recommendations. After the Director's review, the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission could act on the proposal at its February 25, 2021 meeting.

 

Map

Proposed layout

Overview

Stone pillars with soldiers' names

Soldier's return

Nurses