Shortly after the concept for the Park was initially discussed in February 2001, the committee approached Monica Mastrianni of the firm of Bazemore, Mastrianni, Wilson, asking that she come up with a design for the Park.  Monica quickly went to work on the design, generously donating her time.  The 3-D graphic shown below was an artist's rendering of the Park, looking across the mall as Ms. Mastrianni proposed it.  Suddenly, a concept had a visual image.

Park committee vice-chairman Lamar Crosby had overall responsibility for the physical building of the Park, but the construction was a collaborative effort.  It began with the site preparation.  That involved the clearing and grading of the land provided by the County Commissioners.  Then the actual building began.  Local contractor Harvey Kieffer gave freely of his time and expertise by participating in and overseeing most aspects of the Park construction.  As the months went by, Veterans Park of Effingham County took shape.

It is truly amazing that the Park came together as quickly as it did when one considers the fact that it was built with mostly volunteer labor and donated funds.

Groundbreaking took place on Memorial Day, 2001.  The Park was dedicated on Veterans Day, 2002.  It was completed in time for Veterans Day, 2003.

It is now open day and night for visitors.  The eternal flame burns continuously.  The entire park is illuminated at night.  The fountain runs all the time and is lit with colored lights.

 

3-D rendering of Effingham Veteran's Park

 

The Park is located behind Effingham Hospital, near the intersection of Highways 21 and First Street in Springfield, GA, as shown in the graphic below.  It features a mall area with a flag plaza in the center.  At the southern end is home to the Wall of Veterans which lists the names of Effingham County veterans who served during times of armed conflict.  On the northern end is a plaza which pays special tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice.  An eternal flame on the plaza and a colorfully-lit fountain in the pond also highlight the northern end.  Several other commemorative monuments are located throughout the Park.