In the beginning....

In 2000, the Santa Clarita City Council initiated an aggressive effort to raise funds for the design and construction of a Veterans Historical Plaza. The City Council led an effort that included the support of then Assemblymember George Runner and State Senator Pete Knight, to secure $250,000 in state funding through the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Land Acquisition of one-half acre for this project. The Veterans Historical Memorial Committee assisted the city in public meetings and is responsible for the sale of inscribed bricks as part of the Plaza.  Additionally, this committee is raising funds for a special piece of art for the Plaza, "Willie, the Drummer boy."

The Plaza

The design of the Plaza evokes images of a formal Victorian garden.  This may be seen in the symmetry of the layout, as well as in the details and finishes of the structures and equipment.  It was the goal of the design team to create a place of serenity and reflection in the middle of a bustling city.  The placement of water features provides both a dramatic visual effect and serves to reduce the effects of traffic noise from adjacent Newhall Avenue.  Extending on either side of the water features is a wide walkway leading to a central lawn area.  Across this lawn area are the United States and California flags, flanked by flags from each of the five branches of the military.  On either side are Victorian pergolas offering shade, and on special occasions, a place to gather or to stage performances.  A brick walkway surrounds the ellipse and contains hundreds of engraved bricks honoring individuals who served in the military (download brick donation/order form).  Over 50 trees and hundreds of shrubs make this one of the greenest parks facilities in the city.  Themed lighting enhances the safety and appearance of the plaza in the evening.  Of the hundreds of public places and facilities throughout Los Angeles County devoted exclusively to honoring veterans, the Santa Clarita Veterans Historical Plaza is one of the largest and most significant to be created in the last 50 years.  Future plans for the plaza include the addition of story-stations, donor plaques and war-memorial art.