City Starts Work on Park Saluting Colonel
The city broke ground Friday on the Col. Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park. The 42-acre park, to be located next to the Civic Center, will mark the first time the city has named a park after a living person.
In 1952, President Truman awarded Barber, a longtime Irvine resident, the Medal of Valor for leading his company in the Korean War.
City Council members voted last year to disregard the city’s 1975 policy, which avoids naming parks after the living because they may do something “inappropriate” after the honor.
“If there’s anyone I’d break a rule for, that would be Bill Barber,” Councilman Barry Hammond said.
“Bill Barber is not the type of man who likes the spotlight,” said Councilman Dave Christensen. “Yet he has earned our respect and admiration. Col. Barber deserves to be honored.”
When the park’s 24-acre first phase opens in June, it will feature four softball fields and three soccer fields.
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