Printer-friendly versionA park near the school will become a memorial honoring students, teachers and the community.
Clement Park, adjacent to Columbine High School, has become an impromptu place of mourning and prayer as people try to absorb the shocking events of April 20, 1999.
The fitting spot will become the permanent home of the Columbine Memorial — a place to honor those killed and injured in the shooting, and a place to recognize the healing of all those affected.
Plans for the memorial began five years ago. Since then, 1999 high school graduates, parents of the victims, school faculty, public officials and community leaders have coordinated planning and raising funds for the project.
The memorial's design is based on the results of committee workshops, 3,500 community-member surveys and the feedback of the victims' families, as well as input from families of those injured in the shootings.
Roughly half the size of a football field, the memorial's atmosphere will be peaceful and meditative. The "Never Forgotten" Columbine ribbon, which has come to embody community unity and strength, is woven into pavement and landscaping designs.
According to Bob Easton, chairman of the Columbine Memorial Committee, fundraising, attaining unanimous design approval from the victims' families and dealing with declining interest due to the passage of time have been the project's main stumbling blocks.
However, Easton said, "The process itself has been rewarding because of the relationships that have been nurtured with families and community members."
Project costs are estimated at $3 million, with $2.5 million allotted for construction and $500,000 designated as a maintenance endowment.
The local recreation district will oversee memorial maintenance, and plans are in place to establish a volunteer group to help with the upkeep.
In July, President Clinton pledged his continued support helping fundraising efforts. To date, about $1 million has been raised, which is roughly 38% of the needed monies. Construction will begin when 80% of the funding is in place, according to Easton.
"The final reward will be the completion of the project," Easton said. "The committee is dedicated to whatever is necessary to build the memorial."
