The James City County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission is requesting public input on a proposed name change to Mid County Park. Historic Triangle veterans hope to rename the park or establish a memorial garden in honor of local veterans.
William Truax, a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 957, submitted a proposal Feb. 22 to James City County officials to “start the conversation” on the merits of renaming a park and creating a memorial park or garden.
Truax suggested Mid County Park as one that could be renamed or include a memorial garden. Mid County Park currently recognizes servicemen with a Vietnam Veteran Memorial statue, which was donated by resident David Hooker in 1993.
“Being a veteran and being in the community, I want to do as much for them as I can,” Truax told WYDaily. “It seems to me James City County is a veteran community and the park would have been something I thought the county would pursue.”
Truax’s proposal was submitted on behalf of American Legion Posts 39 and 1776, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8046 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 957.
Now the JCC Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission seeks citizen input before making a recommendation to the James City County Board of Supervisors on renaming the park or creating a garden.
According to a county news release, all comments and recommendations on these two options should be submitted in writing to the “Director of Parks and Recreation,” James City County Parks and Recreation, 5300 Palmer Lane, Suite 1A, Williamsburg, VA 23188; by email; or by fax to 757-259-5420. The county encourages commenters to include the city, county or town where they officially reside.
Residents can also complete a survey online, accessible from the Parks and Recreation homepage at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation. The deadline to submit correspondence or participate in the survey is Oct. 19, 2016.
