Grants approved for Chicopee Post 9/11 & Service Dog Memorial

Nov. 16, 2021 | Matt Conway
mconway@thereminder.com

A tentative plan for the Western Mass Post 9/11 & Service Dog Memorial.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo

CHICOPEE – Final plans are underway for the Western Mass Post 9/11 & Service Dog Memorial Park after grants were approved for the project during the City Council meeting on Nov. 4.

Mayor John Vieau discussed the project, which will be located on Westover Road in Ward 1. He explained that the district has accepted a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant from the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, with the $415,000 grant accounting for roughly half of the project’s cost. The other $499,000 will be funded by the city, with Vieau revealing that he has spoken to state Sen. Eric Lesser about arranging funding for the project. “We’ll find a way to fund the other $499,000,” said Vieau.

In an interview with Reminder Publishing, Vieau highlighted the importance of the 7-acre space, which is one of the few parks to acknowledge veterans who served during 9/11. “This is really unique and different from anything we’ve traditionally seen,” said Vieau. The mayor also shared the value in highlighting service dogs’ meaningful contributions, stating that animals play a crucial role in their war service and aiding in post-war recovery.

Vieau, Chicopee Planning Director Lee Pouliot and Veteran’s Service Director Stephanie Shaw spoke in high regard of the project’s merits. “We are all very excited about this extraordinary park. This isn’t your traditional playground, this is an amazing concept,” said Vieau. Pouliot spoke about the uniquely immersive experience the park provides to visitors, while Shaw discussed the space’s significant role in representing modern veterans.

Speaking with Reminder Publishing, Pouliot explained that the project has become his favorite to work on since assuming his role in Chicopee. “It really represents the best of what can happen when different governmental agencies work together on a single idea,” said Pouliot. He explained that idea started from the Veteran Service office, with the two departments collaborating on a memorial space that allows patrons to reflect and celebrate veterans.

The councilors also reflected positively on behalf of the project, with At-Large Councilors James Tillotson and Frank Laflamme viewing the project as a potential new fixture of Chicopee. “I think it’s good for the city, I think it’s going to put Chicopee on the map … It’s going to be a real tribute to the veterans,” said Tillotson. Laflamme stressed the importance of approving the grants at the time of the meeting so that the project could begin the final phase before construction.

Before the City Council voted on the grants, several veterans praised the project during the public speak out period. Commander of the Purple Heart chapter in Massachusetts Brian Willette spoke passionately about the park’s significance, stressing the importance of having a site for Western Massachusetts veterans and citizens to commemorate veteran sacrifices.

“There couldn’t be a more special place than Chicopee, who paid more than its price in this war with its combat causalities,” said Willette. Chair of the Commission of Disability Al Kendall also expressed support for the project due to the inclusive space it provides for patrons.

The City Council ultimately approved the acceptance of the grants. The mayor also provided a timeline for the project’s development, sharing that finalized building plans are planned for approval in December, with hopes to have construction begin by April 2022.

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