November 2, 2023, Rancho Cucamonga, California – Today, Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes, presented the City of Rancho Cucamonga with a check for $3.2 Million for the construction of the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s 9/11 Memorial Park.
On July 4, 2002, steel remnants from the World Trade Center were donated to the Rancho Cucamonga community and displayed at the Jersey Fire Station for several days to allow community members to pay their respects and reflect on the events of September 11, 2001. Reflection soon led to the desire for a permanent memorial in the City. When the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District began planning for Fire Station 178 it presented the opportunity to make this more than just a fire station.
The 1.3-acre park will be built adjacent to Fire Station 178 on Town Center Dr. just east of Haven Avenue, currently under construction. The design of the park is centered around three artifacts from the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001: steel from the World Trade Center; material from Flight 93; and material from the Pentagon. The artifacts have been arranged at an overall scale of 1/4000 to the same spatial relationship that the three September 11 sites have to one another: Lower Manhattan; NY (World Trade Center Twin Towers); Stonycreek Township, PA (crash site of Flight 93); and Arlington, VA/Washington D.C. (Pentagon).
The artifacts have been linked together with a canopied walking path and a central canopied gathering space occupying the space in between. Along the paths, in the space between the artifacts, are two monuments to commemorate the City’s Gold Star Service Members who have lost their lives since September 11, 2001. Additional elements include a granite pedestal with an eternal flame, a planter with three flagpoles, benches for reflection, garden areas, and gathering spaces.
“We express our sincerest appreciation to Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes for her support in securing funding for 9/11 Memorial Park to make this long-standing vision a reality.” – Mike McCliman, City of Rancho Cucamonga Fire Chief
“Once built, the 9/11 Memorial Park will allow individuals to pay their respects, reflect, and honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, and those from our community who have paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. This would not have been possible without Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes’ efforts.” - Mayor of Rancho Cucamonga L. Dennis Michael
The City of Rancho Cucamonga and the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District are extremely appreciative for the support of Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes for championing the $3.2 Million funding for the 9/11 Memorial Park. The park will provide space for the City of Rancho Cucamonga and surrounding communities across the Southern California region for reflection and remembrance that commemorate the events that took place on September 11, 2001, as well as honor fallen service members. Being able to tie multiple community needs and interests into a centrally located fire station makes this a natural hub for individuals to reflect and connect!
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