A new memorial to honor veterans is in the works for Rancho Santa Margarita.
The proposed design, discussed by the City Council on Wednesday, July 10, puts the monument in Central Park, near the City Hall parking lot. The park already hosts the city’s annual Veterans Tribute, 9/11 and Flag Day events, making it a “fitting” location for such a memorial, said Councilmember Anne Figueroa.
The monument would be an arch, 12 feet long and 3 feet tall, with six plaque castings to represent each military branch and a city dedication plaque in the middle. The style would mimic Rancho Santa Margarita’s City Hall entrance sign, which has bronze elements, stucco walls and granite installations, according to the conceptual designs.
Southern California Bronze Company is designing the monument for free, said Joe Parco, Rancho Santa Margarita’s public works director.
Already in the monument’s proposed location is an Armed Forces memorial plaque constructed by a local Boy Scouts troop in 2015. The plaque would be salvaged and either moved to another location or integrated into the new monument, said Parco.
During the City Council meeting, Figueroa suggested incorporating a bench or seating area near the memorial.
“I kind of imagine this as like a little bit of a garden feel,” Figueroa said. “There, people can sit down and actually enjoy the monument and the trees and everything else there.”
According to the current proposal, the back of the monument lacks any design and is simply a stucco wall. Figueroa suggested utilizing this space to “add a special touch.”
“It would be a wonderful location for us to be able to recognize outstanding veterans and our community here in Rancho Santa Margarita and also memorialize anybody that we’ve lost,” Figueroa said.
Additional suggestions from the council included a spot to add a donor recognition list and a spotlight to light the structure at night.
“We are excited about the opportunity to expand our gratitude and recognition of our veterans through this effort,” Mayor Carol Gamble said. “We look forward to the community’s support and participation during the fundraising effort as this important project advances over the next year.”
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The estimated cost for the construction of the monument amounts to $78,000, according to a staff report. Rancho Santa Margarita is looking at various ways to fundraise the project, including soliciting the community for donations. Councilmember Bradley McGirr suggested setting up a booth at Rancho Family Fest, a fall festival in October, to fundraise.
According to Parco, this project’s construction will not occur until fiscal year 2025-2026.
A more detailed design will be provided at a later City Council meeting, said city manager Jennifer Cervantes.
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