One of the priority items on the New Castle Parks Board’s list of things to do is either repair or replace the Memorial Wall in Baker Park.
The wall, located south of shelter house No. 1, was erected as a way for area residents to pay homage to deceased loved ones. For a fee, a person’s name can be immortalized in the form of a metal plaque that is attached to the crescent-shaped structure.
The problem is that Indiana’s often harsh weather has taken a toll on the wall and it’s deteriorating.
“The top of that wall doesn’t have a wide enough lip and the bricks on the front of it are coming off,” New Castle Parks Board President Patty Broyles said. “Because it wasn’t built wide enough at the top, water has gotten into the brickwork and caused a lot of damage and it’s becoming an eyesore. It just wasn’t built for Indiana weather, I’m afraid.”
The board is currently investigating whether the wall should be repaired or torn down and replaced. Broyles said early indications are it may make more sense to rebuild it. Regardless, the memorial plaques currently featured on the wall will remain a permanent part of the display.
If the wall is replaced, Broyles said she would like to see it include more than just names.
“This is just my opinion, but I would like a nice verse or a blessing on it. It needs something to tie it into the community and the loved ones listed instead of just a bunch of names on a wall. There’s really nothing there to explain what it is or what it’s for,” she said.
New Castle Mayor Greg York has stated on multiple occasions that he would like to see the Memorial Wall repaired or replaced as soon as possible and doing so is listed as an action item for 2016 on the board’s five-year plan.
The estimated cost of the project is $5,000. It is hoped at least some of that will be provided in the form of donations from the private sector. Details on a proposed funding mechanism will be announced at a later date.
While the parks board investigates options, Broyles is encouraging the public to weigh in on the matter.
“I would love to have community feedback on it,” she said. “We’d much rather hear from people before we do something rather than after it’s done.”
The bulk of the board’s Feb. 1 meeting is expected to be dedicated to discussion regarding the Aquatics Center at Baker Park, so Broyles is suggesting people wishing to share their thoughts on the Memorial Wall attend the March 7 board meeting, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers on the second floor of New Castle City Hall, 227 N. Main St.
