Highland Park’s Preservation Commission wants more from place of remembrance plan

Members of Highland Park’s Historic Preservation Commission expressed concerns on June 24 about the latest concept for a place of remembrance in the city’s rose garden.

Commissioners questioned whether the proposed design adequately preserves the historic landscape while honoring those affected by the 2022 Fourth of July shooting.

The latest concept, called “Woven Together,” includes a walking loop around plantings, with 48 trees representing those injured in the attack, a ring water element, stone panels engraved with the names of the seven victims, and lighted tables in seven niches throughout the space, as outlined in the previous story by The Record.

Commissioners shared a variety of concerns about the design.

Addressing one concern, Ben Waldo, landscape architect for SWA Group, said that the trees used will be “hybrid and disease resistant.”

The number of trees was concerning to Commissioner Lynn Greenbaum, who noted that plants may struggle under a canopy. Waldo, however, assured her that “there are plenty of plants that do flower in the shade.”

Lack of historic preservation

Greenbaum and Commissioner Erica Weeder were also concerned that the new design seemingly removed historical markers from the rose garden, a designated local landmark.

“I don’t see any historical tributes in this rose garden,” Greenbaum said. “I am really disappointed that we are going to get rid of [historic elements]. … I think we need to invest in the preservation of this area.”

Councilmember Anthony Bloomberg was torn. He also expressed concern that historical elements are not preserved in the place of remembrance design but said the community wants the city to “continue to do what we are doing.”

Greenbaum suggested that Waldo keep the rose garden’s sundial bench, while Weeder suggested it be a focal point in the design.

Assistant City Manager Emily Taub said the city is talking with a conservator to evaluate whether to preserve or relocate the sundial bench.

Weeder would also like to see at least one “Jens Jensen bench in limestone.”

Scale

Understanding scale was also important to Weeder. Waldo said that the diameter of the council ring is 35 feet, and the diameter of each of the seven niches is 14 feet, Weeder said she wanted to see “more shifts in scale.”

Weeder would also like to see changes to the path sizes.

The wording for the plaque, which is not yet determined, should describe the “original gardens,” in addition to what the site represents, Commissioner Mark Portman said, also noting that people should know where the entry to the garden is.

‘Don’t think it’s good enough

Resident and artist Mary Seyfarth was not impressed by the design, criticizing the distance between the niches and the concept of a meadowland.

“I think your design is vague and kind of common looking with a meandering path,” she said. “I don’t like that the niches are far apart and isolated. And the meadowland idea will be challenged by its location, as Highland Park is a woodland. I don’t think it’s good enough.”

Greenbaum also said that the design was insufficient. She thinks victims and associates of victims need “something much more spectacular” than what was presented. She called the shooting a “stain” on the community and that community members “deserve more.”

Idea for Port Clinton

The design for Port Clinton is currently at a pause, said Taub, yet Weder wanted to still float a new idea.

She suggested adding a modest marker identifying the 48 individuals injured in the attack, adding it could be a brass plate embedded in the pavement with the name and age of each individual. Those physical elements would be “very powerful,” she said.

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