Jul 5, 2009 6:38 pm US/Central
Victory Memorial Parkway Getting A Face Lift
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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Victory Memorial Parkway has been a living tribute to the sacrifices of Hennepin County men and women during World War I. But it has been in need of a facelift.
CBS
For close to a century, Victory Memorial Parkway has been a living tribute to the sacrifices of Hennepin County men and women during World War I.
But it has been in need of a face lift. The long-awaited re-construction of the parkway is about to begin.
Larry Greenstein lives in North Minneapolis and bikes the parkway trails with his family. He's looking forward to the improvements.
"Any improvements will be tremendous. It's one of a kind. It's a jewel of the city," he said.
People who bike, walk and run on Victory Memorial Parkway know it's a special place.
"We come this way because there are less people. It's really nice to not be around the crowded lakes as much," said Carla Rogers as she stopped for lunch in the shade near the parkway's war monument.
With it's miles of green space, trails and trees, it's easy to see why the serene spot is a favorite. But for those who stop and take a closer look, there is a deeper significance. Hennepin County Board Chairman Mike Opat thinks the memorial aspect of the parkway is often missed.
"Right now, when you drive on it, you don't know what you're driving into," he said.
According to Opat, Victory Memorial Parkway is one of the nation's largest and most unique war memorials. It was built to pay tribute to the 568 men and women from Hennepin County who gave their lives for the country during World War I. But that mission hasn't always been clear.
"The sacrifice is still just as real now 100 years later as it was then. I think we owe it to their memory and their families' memories to treat it with reverence accordingly," said Opat.
The parkway itself and the war monument will get a makeover starting July 6. Eight of the cross streets will permanently close to expand the uninterrupted trails and green space. Entrance markers will let visitors know this is a memorial. And the war monument itself will have greater glory.
Greenstein likes the idea of improving the monument.
"It's very important, in my opinion, that they do something like this for these veterans," he said.
The hope is people will not only pay a visit, but pay their respects.
Victory Memorial Parkway from 45th Street North will be shut down for the next few weeks. Traffic will be re-routed to 45th Street.
Re-construction on the monument plaza will start sometime next year. Eventually, the parkway will get more trees and lighting as well.
You can see the plans for Victory Memorial Parkway yourself at an open house on July 15. An overview of the project and proposed design plans will be presented at Loring Community School from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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