It’s sad what was done down at the Veterans Memorial Park. Eight feet of ground was removed along the one side to make way for a 6-foot walkway that hardly anyone uses. I have been down there a few times to count the people using the walkway. So far, there have been 2 people on the walkway and 15 walking or biking on the street.

Over 300 pavers were ripped out from the World War II monument and my son’s monument. The bench on the right side of the World War II monument is now moved over beside the other bench. It looks stupid. Down at the other end there is a monument honoring the people who made the ultimate sacrifice from the Lehighton area and nearby communities. Over 125 pavers were ripped away from that monument. The bench that was in front, is now moved to the side. Stupid.

That walkway comes within 24 inches of some of the monuments and inches of some of the trees. The trees are very nice with mulch around them. Several trees had a small plaque dedicated to someone or in memory of someone. Now there is no room for several of the plaques, and they were moved to the back of the trees. This was a beautiful park with additions being added now and then, and was something Lehighton could be proud of and to honor our fallen Vets. Not now.

The UVO had constructed a beautiful sign that said. “Lehighton Veterans Memorial Park.” That sign is also gone.

I was told it was a safety issue that they did not want people walking on the street. Well we just had about 8 inches of snow (Jan 6). I was down there again. The street is plowed very nice, but the walkway is full of snow. Can’t walk there now with the snow and ice. I guess it was only a safety issue in nice weather. In the winter with snow and ice, just walk on the road as before. Very sad to see what was done to a beautiful park.

Mike Wargo

Lehighton