<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4NTO8K_0vlFuIv800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4NTO8K_0vlFuIv800" width="640" height="480" ><figcaption>Workers prepare the foundation for installing a reproduction Statue of Liberty in American Heritage Park on Sept. 23, 2024. Credit: Cheryl Splain</figcaption></figure>MOUNT VERNON—Mount Vernon City Council members took the first step in creating American Heritage Park on the land surrounding the CA&amp;C Depot.“We’re looking at taking the entirety of that property and turning it into American Heritage Park and investing in some appropriate memorials,” Safety-service Director Tanner Salyers said.“We’ve talked about establishing a veterans memorial there to honor those who are killed in action or missing in action. Making it true to its name, American Heritage Park.”City officials are exploring moving the Veterans Walk from Public Square to the park.“The Veterans Walk on Public Square takes up a significant amount of space,” Salyers explained. “It is also supposed to be hallowed ground. You are supposed to show up and observe that in quiet remembrance.”However, he said Public Square is one of the noisiest places downtown.“People stand on it and have concerts. That’s no way to honor people who have passed away and served our country,” Salyers said. “If we establish American Heritage Park, we can put it in a place where it can be honored and respected as it should be.”The name American Heritage Park stems from the America 2050 celebration. It is also appropriate because the park features Liberty Plaza. The plaza includes a reproduction of the Statue of Liberty that Ariel Foundation gifted to the city.Salyers anticipates workers will erect the statue by the end of October.The CVB’s role in American Heritage ParkThe Knox County Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce are located in the depot.The Ariel Park Conservancy plans and promotes events at the depot and other venues in Ariel-Foundation Park. The agreement expires in 2026.After conversations with the conservancy, the city removed the depot from the agreement.Salyers and other city officials met with Olivia Toth, marketing manager for the CVB.“We will invite her in to talk about the CVB’s role in the CA&amp;C depot essentially serving as a welcome center for the City of Mount Vernon,” he told council.Discussions include merchandise opportunities being located on the bike trail and rotating visitor exhibits.Council members gave a first reading to legislation creating the park.<h2>Other park projects</h2>Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr said the city is waiting on a permit from the Department of Commerce’s industrial division for the splash pad in Riverside Park. He anticipates receiving it any day.Recreation Director Jeff Derr has estimates for the fitness equipment planned for Riverside Park. The city does not have quotes for installation.Councilman Mike Miller asked whether the administration moved money from the parks department to the engineering department. Law Director Rob Broeren said the council must approve money moved between departments.Workers will move the dirt on Ariel-Foundation Park’s west side by the end of the year so the administration can proceed with plans for the pollinator garden.Because of noncompliance with Knox Public Health regulations, the city plans to demolish three concession/announcer stands at Memorial Park by the end of the year.Crews will gravel the areas and replumb them. Food trucks will service the leagues until the city organizes a remodel.Funding will come from the 2025 or 2026 budget.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Mount Vernon council takes steps to create American Heritage Park

MOUNT VERNON—Mount Vernon City Council members took the first step in creating American Heritage Park on the land surrounding the CA&C Depot. “We’re looking at taking the entirety of that property and turning it into American Heritage Park and investing in some appropriate memorials,” Safety-service Director Tanner Salyers said.