The commission overseeing the park asked to lease 0.33 acres on the west side of the library park for 99 years at $100 per year.
The details
Veterans Memorial Commission Chair Jimmie Edwards shared updates on the park’s growth and plans. In less than six years, the park has added multiple monuments, a library and museum, a B-17 memorial and an interactive Honor Mission Hall, he said.
“We are interactive,” Edwards said. “We're not some stuffy museum. ... People can literally interact with what we’re doing.”
The site hosts events drawing thousands, and last year, Edwards said, the park drew more Memorial Day visitors than those in Houston and Dallas.
What this means
The additional land will support a new entry plaza, garden space, historic Quonset huts for office and exhibit use, and a shared digital sign. Edwards said the upgrades will benefit both the park and the library.
Edwards said the area is underutilized, with limited parking use and safety concerns.
“We’re going to make it beautiful and interactive,” Edwards said. “It will attract people not only to us, but also to the library.”
Montgomery County Library Director Janna Hoglund agreed, saying the project will enhance safety and community use.
“This is a sacred place,” Hoglund said. “This addition will create a welcoming entrance ... and will be a huge improvement to our operations.”
What’s next
The court unanimously approved the lease request. County staff will work with the veterans commission and the library to finalize terms.
The commission also invited the public to the Oct. 11 dedication of the Alamo letter exhibit at the park.
“We are joined together in this,” Edwards said. “We honor our veterans by education. ... I believe there is another great generation.”
