Proctor Park veteran memorial soft groundbreaking is Friday

The Proctor Park Committee, in partnership with UpLift, is planning a ceremonial soft groundbreaking event to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Indiana State Trooper Aaron Smith’s death.

This event — set for 11 a.m. June 28 — marks a significant milestone in the creation of the new memorial honoring all first responders, past and present, who have served our community with bravery and dedication. ISP Superintendent Doug Carter and Johnson County Sheriff Duane Burgess, along with other stakeholders will speak at the groundbreaking.

Proctor Park is located at 499 Tracy Road, New Whiteland.

Though ground is being broken, the committee is still actively fundraising and around $38,000 short of its $92,000 goal, according to a press release from UpLift.

The project will feature:

• Memorial installation to include three 15-foot granite slabs with concrete bases, engraved with the oaths of police, fire, and EMT divisions;
• Brick relocation and addition to include moving existing engraved bricks to the front of the park and adding new bricks that can be purchased to honor or remember first responders;
• Adding sidewalks and benches;
• Planting trees and low-maintenance plants to beautify the area;
• Moving restrooms to a more convenient location.

The project raised about $54,000 in monetary donations so far with contributions from individuals and organizations:

• Duke Energy and Johnson County REMC have donated $5,000 in grants;
• Raised just over $30,000 from corporate donors;

• Numerous individual donations.

The committee has also secured in-kind donations. Drew Braley of Browning Day is donating design services, while Mike Duke of Duke Homes and Duke Commercial is donating construction management services.

To make a donation to help create a lasting tribute to those who have sacrificed visit upliftjoco.org/proctorpark.

For inquiries or further information email [email protected].