The City Council considered the proposal during Tuesday meeting. Park and Rec Director Joey Schugel said they had consulted with the Veterans Committee and other citizens and community members when developing the plan. He said it had been approved by both Park and Rec and Monuments and Cemetery Commissions and would be funded by already donated money.

Councilman Les Schultz said several groups had approached him saying they wanted to have space in German Park as well.

“Having this in German Park is to me not the best location,” he said. “These other groups are wanting to come in. They rightfully stood and want to be all together. You’ve got the playground a few feet away. Kids are jumping on these benches. I think that should have its own special place.”

Schugel said the plan they had was a representation of concerns Schultz and others had raised. He said they had scaled back from more expansive plans made in the past. If other groups submitted requests for the location, Schugel said he would entertain moving Veterans Square somewhere else.

The obelisks, benches and paver stones currently shown here will soon be joined by new stones and flagpoles, after the Veterans Square addition project cleared its final hurdle in City Council Tuesday.

Councilman Dave Christian threw his support behind the current location. He said it fits with where Veteran’s memorials are typically placed.

“I have made a point in the last six to eight months,” Christian said. “Every city I go into I’m looking for memorials. I don’t know how many I’ve seen in city parks. I realize there was a small group against this in German Park. I’m all in favor. I like the concept.”

Councilman Larry Mack said he’s been told the square will be used as an educational tool for kids and families concerning war. He said if further expansion plans are made, he would want it moved.

Christian said the issue would come back to them if that happened.

Councilor Eric Warmka made the motion to approve expansion plans for Veterans Square, which Christian seconded. The plans were approved unanimously.