Veterans, local leadership, friends and family gathered in Forestville on Monday afternoon to celebrate the completion of Quinlan Park.
“This is a great transformation for a long-standing park,” said Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano. “I think that people will enjoy this for hopefully hundreds of years coming. We’re always very appreciative of our veterans and those that serve for us every day.”
Caggiano was one of several speakers at the dedication along with Commander Brian Avery of the American Legion Post 209 and Councilmember Cheryl Thibeault, who represents District 3 where the monument is located.
Avery recognized those who made significant contributions to the Quinlan Park renovation. Honorees included Doug LaForge and his family, who laid crushed stone and bricks, Russ Fuller, who engraved the benches and the late Allan Pepin of Pepin Steel & Iron Works, who built and installed the memorial bell monument.
Right: The Bristol Chorale with Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen Maggie Wernicki. Left: Brian Avery presents an award to Doug LaForge and his family. | Laura Bailey Photos
Right: Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano. Left: City Councilor Cheryl Thibeault. | Laura Bailey Photos
Thibeault said she is delighted the monument is in Forestville.
“This is my district, and I’ve always been proud of the hearts of the people that live in Forestville. We have many veterans in this community; it will be something that we can enjoy but also reflect on when we walk through this park.”
American Legion Post 209 began working on the multi-phase Quinlan Park renovation project in the Fall of 2022. Initial construction featured the installation of a Doolittle Clock and Bell Factory Bell monument followed by the installation of personalized bricks and nine flagpoles in Phase 2.
While Quinlan Park has undergone significant renovations in the past six months, one more step will bring the project to completion. Phase 3 will feature the installation of a monument behind the memorial that will honor all POW/MIAs. American Legion Post 209 hopes to see the project completed by Veterans Day.
“It’s a permanent stadium chair that’s meant to be outdoors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 12 months a year,” said Avery.
“It’s going to have six granite pillars that surround the chair with black chains attached to it; each pillar will have the name of each branch of service. There’ll be one more addition to this park, one more thing that will enhance Forestville, and make Quinlan Park a Veteran Memorial Park to be proud of.”
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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