The Stone Harbor Borough Council unanimously approved a conceptual plan of a new “Stone Harbor Freedom Park” that will be located between 96th Street and Seng Place. The 5-0 vote came during a Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd following a presentation by Steven Lennon of Taylor Design Group, Inc.
Conceptual design for Stone Harbor Freedom Park
“We are thrilled that this park will now move forward and pay an everlasting tribute to all of the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States”, said Stone Harbor Councilwoman Joan Kramar. “Freedom Park will feature a beautiful area for passive recreation and reflection and truly enhances the town center of our community”.
The new Stone Harbor Freedom Park will include a small section of I-beam secured from the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey. The artifact came from the site of the World Trade Center, and was one of the final artifacts to be released by the Authority to a local community for an everlasting tribute.
Stone Harbor Freedom Park will be located just east of the Stone Harbor Fireman’s Memorial, steps away from Stone Harbor Borough Hall, the business district, and a new branch of the Cape May County Library System. The Park features a small civic gathering space with small tables and benches. It includes a free standing stone wall, small trellis, and natural features including drought-tolerant trees, flowering vines, and lawn areas. A small light pole will spotlight the artifact during the evening hours.
The wall will also feature a special plaque that will the inscription: “This Park is dedicated to celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans…And to honor the commitments of those who provide and protect those freedoms. The Steel Artifact was retrieved from the World Trade Center in New York City after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. It symbolizes the sorrow and travail that we must sometimes endure in pursuit of freedom and independence”.
“Mayor and Council very much appreciate the efforts of our volunteer committee and the public for their insight and conversations regarding the Stone Harbor Freedom Park”, Kramar said. “The end result is a lovely and respectful gathering place that celebrates our freedoms and provides a civic gathering place that will be enjoyed for generations”.
