Park, Trail Will Be Named for Kent's Veterans

Kent's newest park will be named to honor the city's veterans.

Kent City Council voted this week to name the park area that will be created beneath the new Fairchild Avenue Bridge and the pedestrian bridge that will replace the Crain Avenue Bridge "Veterans' Memorial Park."

In addition, a section of The Portage Hike and Bike Trail that runs from the Crain Avenue and Lake Street intersection to a trailhead in the River Bend subdivision will also bear the same name.

The new pedestrian bridge will be built next year after the existing Crain Avenue Bridge is demolished.

Council voted Wednesday to name the park and trail section after getting a letter the same day from Director John Idone. The parks board July 21.

In the letter, Idone said the parks board supported naming the new pedestrian bridge to honor Kent's military members who died serving their country.

"The naming of the new pedestrian (bridge) offers a distinct memorial," Idone wrote.