Public invited to May 9 dedication of Gwynn Memorial

Just over a year after fundraising efforts began, City of Poway officials have announced the dedication of the Tony Gwynn Memorial statue and plaza will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 9 at Lake Poway.

The statue will be unveiled on Gwynn’s birthday. The celebration is open to the public.

Poway residents and Gwynn fans alike raised nearly $200,000 in cash donations to build the statue and surrounding plaza. More than a dozen businesses pitched in with materials, equipment and labor valuing more than $100,000 to cover construction-related costs.

Gwynn played 20 seasons for the San Diego Padres. He retired in 2001 and later coached for the San Diego State Aztecs baseball team. He died in 2014 after battling cancer. He was 54.

“Tony was more than a Hall of Fame ballplayer around town,” Poway Mayor Steve Vaus said. “I can’t wait for the moment that we unveil the statue and celebrate what we’ve accomplished together. This is going to be a tribute that will likely become one of our city’s most recognizable landmarks.”

The bronze likeness of Gwynn, designed by Texas artist Seth Vandable, was chosen during a nationwide search. The statue stands more than 11 feet tall and captures Gwynn waving to the crowd with one arm, while holding a child in the other. It will be the centerpiece of the memorial plaza, which includes a donor wall recognizing gifts of $250 and above.

There is one remaining major donor opportunity, which includes a presentation of a miniature limited edition bronze statue at the dedication ceremony. To learn more, contact Robin Bettin at rbettin@poway.org.

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