I-35W bridge memorial plan unveiled
An artist’s rendering of the planned memorial at Gold Medal Park. Image courtesy Oslund and Associates.
Thirteen upright metal beams will stand in Gold Medal Park to signify the thirteen people who died in the collapse of the I-35W bridge — just one feature of the planned “Remembrance Garden” memorial.
The finalized design and location for the memorial was unveiled Sept. 15, just as the announcement was being made that the new bridge would reopen to traffic on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 5 a.m.
Governor Tim Pawlenty and Mayor R.T.Rybak joined Gold Medal Park architect Tom Oslund — who has designed the meorial, as well — to launch the fundraising effort for the construction and maintenance of the Remembrance Garden. At least $1 million will need to be raised from individuals, foundations and businesses.
“As we open the new bridge, it is important to keep the victims and the families directly impacted by this tragedy first in our thoughts and prayers,” said Pawlenty. “This memorial will provide a lasting way to always remember loved ones who were lost on that tragic day.”
The Remembrance Garden will include a 13-foot wide round fountain made of black granite in the middle of a 65-foot wide circle plaza. The beams are to encircle the plaza, which will be surrounded by an 81-foot rock square.
The memorial’s design was developed through meetings with family members of those who died in the bridge collapse.
“Through the entire visioning and design process, it was essential that we listened hardest to those who were most affected by this tragedy,” said Oslund. “In the end, we created a place that honors those who died, and also recognizes that an entire community was changed.”
Learn more or make a donation to the 1-35W Remembrance Garden
last revised: September 16, 2008