Location
The University Place Veterans Plaza is located adjacent to the entrance of Cirque Park on Cirque Drive West following approval of the University Place Parks Commission and the University Place City Council at their meetings in June 2021.
Veterans Plaza Description
The Veterans Plaza design is based on a circle with concentric ring elements and radiating segments. The center section is a 40 foot diameter segmented concrete plaza ringed by nine flag poles. The U.S. flag pole is situated at the center, with six military service flag poles (US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, US Space Force), together with the Merchant Marines, the POW/MIA, and the Washington State flag poles located at equal segments around the perimeter. Each flag pole is lighted at night using flush ground mount LED light fixtures. In front of each of the eight perimeter service related flag poles is a rough hewn black granite pylon with the top sloped surface polished and with the respective military emblem laser and motto etched into the surface. Power has been provided on site for public address equipment to be used during special events. A raised concrete block wall panel located along the north side of the plaza displays the stone dedication plaque and the stone donor recognition plaque to honor the veterans of our community and to recognize those major donors who made this plaza possible. Also displayed are a variety of commemorative/informational stone plaques.
Four additions to the exterior of the plaza contain donor paver tiles. Completed etched paver tiles have been placed, with future etching of blank tiles to be done as more donors contribute to the plaza over time. Park benches have been located within these paver tile areas to provide locations for personal and private contemplation and commemoration.
Anticipated Cost
As of November, 2022, the completed cost of the plaza was just over $220,000, which includes the value of donated labor and materials The UPVP organization is thankful that much of the donated non-skilled manual labor was provided by volunteer groups such as the JBLM 16th Combat Air Brigade, and by other community individuals. Local suppliers of construction materials committed to provide their products for the project either free of charge or at substantial reduction in cost. The UPVP organization is also thankful to the construction community in and around University Place who donated their expertise and skilled labor for the installation of some key project elements and systems. Some of the skilled labor donated were project construction management, rough and finish grading, concrete work, masonry work, concrete curb work and electrical work. Landscaping around the perimeter of the plaza was provided by the City of University Place Parks and Recreation Department. Setting of new donor tile and raising/lowering of flags continues to be provided by members of the UPVP organization.
Future Plaza Events
Check back on this website to learn of future events being planned at this University Place Veterans Plaza such as for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.