BY PEPPER FISHER

Sequim — The City of Sequim closed the deal in June to acquire 16.5 acres for a future park bordering the Olympic Discovery Trail along West Hendrickson Street.

The land was purchased from the heirs of Ruth C. McCord. McCord had long envisioned a park on the land that would be inclusive to children and old people, and would have a place that honored veterans.

Sequim City Councilmember Kathy Downer proposed Monday night that the future park have a place set aside for Gold Star families and veterans. Downer suggested creating a public fundraising campaign to pay for it, and asked that the City come up with a $5,000 matching fund to kick things off.

“What I am envisioning is a very small memorial. I would like a little concrete around it, I would like a bench facing it, I would like a flagpole, I would like two veteran’s parking spots. And I think with the planning is so far out for this park right now, but I think if we put our heads together as a group, with input from the City administration, that we can put this on the master plan for that park. And in case you didn’t know, a Gold Star Family is a family that lost somebody in active duty, or lost somebody afterwards due to an injury, a disease, or suicide after serving in the military.”

The Council unanimously approved coming up with the $5,000 matching fund in the 2025 budget.

The land for the future park is currently under lease and will remain closed to the public and in its present use as the City begins to obtain funding for a master plan.

In the meantime, the City of Sequim will host a dedication ceremony for the future Ruth C. McCord Memorial Park at 764 West Hendrickson on Friday, October 25 at 3:00 p.m.

They ask that attendees follow the signs for event parking.

(Photo; aerial view of McCord Park location)