The Missouri City Parks and Recreation Department launched a design competition for a new veteran's memorial project to be established in an area park in early October. The city is seeking a "timeless and iconic" design for the structure, director of parks and recreation Larry Foos said.

"The future memorial will honor veterans from the past, present and future and create a permanent tribute to the patriotic and courageous men and women who served this nation," he said. "This site will serve as a place for private or personal reflection and as a place to officially observe and conduct ceremonies for Memorial and Veterans Day."

Three locations are being considered as possible sites for the memorial: the Community Park at 1700 Glenn Lakes Lane, American Legion Park at 4015 Lexington Boulevard and the City Hall complex at 1522 Texas Parkway.

The initial deadline for design submissions is Nov. 1 at 5 p.m., but Foos said he would extend the deadline should participants needs more time. The city has sent notices to landscape architecture firms and universities with landscape architecture programs throughout the state. As of mid-October, no submissions had been received.

Designs for the veteran's memorial will be reviewed by a commission in November, and the winning design is expected to be announced in December.

There are several design concept requirements for the project. Concepts should include: landscape, sculpture, lighting and architectural design elements; space and infrastructure for parking, sound systems, podium placement, power and an audience with chairs and standing room capacity of about 100 guests; and eco-friendly materials native to Texas that require minimal maintenance.

Designs must be submitted with renderings, illustrations and design details along with a list of the materials needed. Once a design is selected, fundraising efforts will begin and the project is anticipated to be funded and built through citizen and corporate donations.

"Regardless of whether you're involved in the military during peace time or you go into hostile conditions, you are a changed person," said councilman Don Smith, who serves as chair of the City Council Veterans Committee. "I think that it is important that any city or municipality make sure that veterans are honored in some way."

For more information, call the Missouri City Parks and Recreation Department at 281-403-8630, or visit www.missouricitytx.gov.