The City of Kerman and the Kerman VFW Post 8470, along with local community service groups, will hold dedication ceremonies for a $325,000 “Veterans Plaza Park” restoration project on Saturday.

During the ceremony, which kicks off about 11 a.m., a monument will be unveiled in honor of Lt. Col. Wetmore, a local highly decorated World War II fighter pilot ace.  Major General Ronald H. Markarian will present a flag flown over the nation’s capital to members of the Wetmore family.

Plaza Park, located on Madera Ave., between California and C St., is the city’s oldest public park.

It was developed in 1906 as a central feature for Kerman.  The original park design featured lawn, trees, an entrance sign, a dirt walk path, and a horse hitching post fence.  The facility is an important historical and cultural feature, providing Kerman with an attractive focal point.

Three years ago, upon the request of the Kerman VFW Post 8470, the park was renamed Veterans Plaza Park as tribute to the men and women in the armed forces who served our country and to those who paid the ultimate price.

The City of Kerman has renovated the entire park to include new wrought-iron fencing, new antique-style clock, new walkway with electrical outlets, new parking lot, new antique-style lighting, benches and trash containers, new Veterans Circle of Honor, new south entrance sign, Victorian gazebo, and irrigation and landscaping improvements.

Funding for this project came from a variety of sources including:

• $167,000 State of California Cal-Trans (TEA Grant) Transportation Enhancement Activities;
• $85,000 (COG) Council of Fresno County Governments (TEA) Transportation Enhancement Activities;
• $65,000 from City of Kerman;

The following organizations have contributed to the restoration of Veterans Plaza Park:

• Kerman Rotary Club: New flag pole and flag;
• Kerman Chamber of Commerce: New benches and trash containers;
• Kerman VFW Post 8470: Installation of new Veterans’ plaques, pedestals, and Armed Forces flags;
• Kerman Telephone: Brick donation for the Veteran Monument pedestals; and
• Veterans Plaza Park Community Design Committee Members.

The event is sponsored by the City of Kerman Recreation and Community Services Department and Kerman VFW Post 8470.  The event is open to the public (Kerman Lions Club will provide lunch).  Be sure to bring lawn chairs since only a limited amount of seating will be available.