In the fall of 2014, the Hutchinson Law Enforcement Park will be unveiled along the north shore of the Crow River between Third Avenue and the Luce Line State Trail. This family-friendly park will honor those who serve or have served our community.
The triangular piece of land will be covered with decorative concrete pavers in the form of an officer’s badge. On the west end of the park, a low wall will list those officers who have died in the line of duty, including Officer Michael Hogan, who initially served as the inspiration for building the park. Additional pavers will be engraved with the names of past and present officers to honor them and their service.
In the middle of this badge-shaped area, a six-foot-tall bronze statue of an officer will stand in front of a ten-foot-tall sheet of metal with a cutout, or portal, of the officer. When sunlight shines on them, the statue and the portal will create an alignment of light and dark shadows.
Local artist Deb Zeller is creating the sculpture while Hutchinson Manufacturing is set to make the portal. Julie Neubarth of Landscape Concepts will design landscaping.
Funding was provided primarily by the generous donations and pledges of local individuals and grants with initial funding provided by The Hutchinson Community Foundation.
The Hutchinson Public Arts Commission collaborated with the Hutchinson Law Enforcement Park Committee in bringing plans of this park into fruition. Sgt. Joe Nagel led the planning efforts.
For more information, please visit www.hutchinsonlawenforcementpark.com.
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