The Warren City Council has endorsed half of a proposal for statues at Washington Park made to the Parks & Recreation Commission earlier this month.
Councilman John Wortman proposed the action that would “endorse the implementation of a privately funded statue of (President George) Washington in Washington Park.”
Statue proposals in city parks for George Washington, Christopher Columbus and Leif Eriksson were originally proposed by Commission member Kirk Johnson.
He said he has “long thought it would be nice to have a classical life-sized statue on a pedestal of George Washington at George Washington Park. Probably right in the middle of the parking circle would make the most sense.”
The other statue proposal is of Columbus and Eriksson “standing together, shaking hands, symbolizing their cooperation in helping to spark the beginnings of America. They would each be depicted attired in the classic clothing of their day.”
Johnson suggested Celeron, Wetmore or Clemons Park as possible locations as well as the courthouse grounds.
The commission took no action on the idea but council did on Monday.
“I want to have this vote and to make this statement emphatically,” Wortman said, that “George Washington is probably our greatest American.”
When asked about his position on the Columbus and Eriksson statues after the meeting, he said his focus was on Washington.
“It’s a beautiful park,” he told the council. “It is important to me based on the reaction I saw… that members of our citizenry (and) that this council, and at least myself, view this man in the highest regard.”
Councilman Maurice Cashman noted that there is a Washington plaque at the park “embedded in a stone” that was previously removed, burned, warped and thrown down the hillside.
“Putting a statue up there in a remote location, (I am) afraid it will get vandalized, painted.”
“I don’t feel that fear should deter us,” Wortman responded.
Councilman Phil Gilbert suggested that a statue of Columbus would bring a “different discussion.”
He suggested that any action on statues should wait until Washington Park is developed with restrooms and lights.
Wortman agreed to change his support for the statues to be included as part of a discussion on the future oft the park.
“I think Washington Park is one of our true gems,” he added.
https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/2022/04/council-supports-part-of-park-statue-proposal/
2022-04-20 06:38:25Z
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