Tri-County Korean War Memorial Parking Lot Project

City of Loves Park, Rockford Park District, and State Representative Dave Vella Work Together to Build a Parking Lot to Make It Easier for Veterans to Visit Tri-County Korean War Memorial

ROCKFORD, IL – An intergovernmental agreement between the City of Loves Park and the Rockford Park District will provide what is needed to create easier access to a place of peace for an aging population of Korean War veterans.

At a recent Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners meeting, a vote was taken to approve the intergovernmental agreement and move forward with final design plans (conceptual drawing shown) to build a new parking lot in Loves Park near the Tri-County Korean War Memorial.

The City of Loves Park received a $55,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and will provide matching funds for the construction of the parking lot. “This is the least we can do for local Korean War veterans to thank them for their service, and to make it simple for them and others to gather and remember,” said Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury.

Funding was secured thanks to Illinois State Representative Dave Vella. “One of the perks of this job is that I get to bring resources here to help the people of the stateline. There is no group more deserving than those that risked their lives for our freedom. This parking lot will help our Korean War veterans get to their monument in a fast and safe way. I am proud to have worked with Loves Park and the Rockford Park District to get this done,” said State Rep. Dave Vella, IL-68th District.

The Tri-County Korean War Memorial was initially built thanks to the Greater Rockford Area Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 272, who successfully raised funds to build the memorial in 2008 and create an endowment. Many still gather at the site to have a peaceful place to visit and remember those who fought in this war. Adding a parking lot nearby will cost roughly $110,000. The Rockford Park District will take the lead as project manager to oversee bidding, contracts, and permitting.

Parking lot construction should be done next spring, depending on weather and supplies. “We recently shared information about this improvement with a small group of local veterans who served and sacrificed for their country so that we can all live and prosper. Many expressed how much this place means to them, but with declining mobility, better access was an immediate need. We are proud and thankful for the many veterans who work for the Park District and for the many veterans who we partner with and support throughout the community. This is a small way we can honor and thank the men and women who served so that we can enjoy life,” said Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine.

The Rockford Park District is also working with Midway Village Museum to make improvements to the LZ Peace Memorial, a tribute to soldiers from Winnebago County who paid the ultimate price in Vietnam.