Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Recreation & Parks Director Nicholas Mooneyhan today broke ground on the COVID-19 memorial and sculpture at Meadowbrook Park and Athletic Complex in Ellicott City. The memorial will consist of three main elements: a grove of native birch trees, a seating area surrounding a water fountain, and a sculpture.
Forty-two birch trees were selected due to their symbolism of new beginnings and growth. They are native, attractive, and easily adapt to Maryland’s environment and various soils. The trees are fast growing, have beautiful, curling bark, and their spreading limbs provide excellent shade.
“This memorial incorporates a thoughtful design that focuses on a space for quiet reflection,” said Nicholas Mooneyhan, Director of Howard County Recreation and Parks. “This space will allow all our residents to reflect upon those we have lost, including our very own Laura Wetherald, while also reminding us that there are brighter days ahead.”
The fountain will be made of polished black granite and will reflect the adjacent trees and surroundings, even when the water is not flowing in the winter. Landscape beds with colorful and fragrant flowers will surround the feature and seating area to brighten the area and add to the serene setting.
A sculpture will be commissioned and then placed by the path and seating area. It will commemorate all those who were lost to COVID-19 and will honor those who worked so hard to bring help, relief, and aid.
“I am deeply grateful to the County for creating a memorial that will provide a physical manifestation of our shared grief and loss,” said Christiana Rigby, Howard County Council Chair. “The memorial garden will be a powerful symbol of our community’s resilience and a reminder of the strength that comes from coming together in times of difficulty.”
The first tree was planted today at the groundbreaking ceremony. Another fifteen trees will be planted this November by the contractor Environmental Maintenance. The remaining twenty-six trees will be planted by or before May 1, 2024. The walkways, benches and fountain will be completed by early Summer 2024. The sculpture is currently scheduled for Spring 2025.
“I hope that this memorial will serve as a place of reflection for the dedicated array of health workers, volunteers, partners and public across our community and stand as a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit during this unprecedented worldwide health challenge” said Antigone Vickery, Howard County Deputy Health Officer.
According to state data, Howard County has reported nearly 66,963 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic in 2020. There have been more than 472 confirmed deaths in the county. Additionally, the state has reported more than 1.4 million cases, which has resulted in more than 16,809 deaths.
“Those of us who endured the darkest moments of the pandemic emerged stronger, but we must never forget those we lost along the way,” said Robert Smeltzer, Deputy Chief, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. “Their memory and legacy live on within each of us.”
About Meadowbrook Park:
Meadowbrook Park is located alongside the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex (MAC) at 5001 Meadowbrook Lane in Ellicott City. The park includes baseball fields, a large playground for all abilities, tennis courts, basketball courts and about 2.5 miles of sidewalks and pathways that circle the park.
The MAC is a destination for indoor basketball, volleyball, field hockey, badminton, jump rope and much more! The facility houses 35,000 square feet of unobstructed gymnasium space designed to serve all ages and all levels of play.
Recent Stories
The Maryland Department of Health issued the following news release urging residents to guard against tickborne diseases.
With graduation right around the corner and the 2024 commencement speaker announcement for MCPS schools coming soon, we are continuing to take a look back at some of the speakers…
The City of Rockville has offered the following tips to help residents prepare for potential flooding:
The Grove, located at 7747 Tuckerman Ln. in Potomac’s Cabin John Village, reopens today as The Grove Bar & Grill. The restaurant temporarily closed on April 28th to prepare for…
FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
