For Immediate Release: August 1, 2006

Contact: Erica Asmus-Otero (505) 660-7017/ Erica.Asmus-Otero@state.nm.us

Public Invited to Comment on Proposed Improvements to Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park

Comments Accepted Until August 31

ANGEL FIRE, NM – New Mexico State Parks is now accepting public comment on proposed plans for Phase I repairs and improvements to Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park.  Phase I will include renovations and upgrades to the Peace and Brotherhood Chapel and grounds.  The public comment period on the proposed Phase I project will run from July 31 through August 31, 2006.

“Now that the Memorial is a State Park, it needs some work,” said State Parks Director Dave Simon. “These proposed upgrades remain true to Dr. Westphall’s vision to honor veterans while improving the Memorial and visitor service.”

For the Phase I project, State Parks contracted with Santa Fe architect Ted Luna, who designed the original chapel, to evaluate the existing structure and grounds.  State Parks’ goal is to preserve the original vision for the Memorial, while incorporating features, such as improved facilities for ceremonies, which are designed to ensure the longevity of the Memorial. 

“The concept behind the chapel improvements is meant to inspire peace and brotherhood, creating a sense of simplicity without sterility,” said Luna. “The chapel has healing elements, allowing many vets to come to grips with their experience.  Some vets may not understand the power of healing that the chapel invokes, but they know it’s there.”

Proposed improvements to the Chapel and the Memorial grounds include:

• Upgrade amphitheatre/stage area with new sound system, landscaped audience seating area, removable stage cover, and two walls designed to tie-into existing wings of chapel;

• Repair and replace damaged masonry on chapel exterior and replace roof;
• Remove existing cross from interior, replace with 15-foot marble Eagle Fountain designed by Doug Scott, sculptor of “Dear Mom and Dad” statue currently on-site;
• Add window to north wall to improve lighting and facilitate visual flow from hillside;
• Upgrade carpet, mud mats, and seat cushions;
• Upgrade heating system with energy-efficient model;
• Upgrade interior/exterior lighting;

• Improve doorways for handicapped accessibility and snow-removal.
• Repave and stripe existing parking lot and upgrade exterior sidewalk lighting.
• Construct concessionaire/exhibitor area adjacent to upper parking lot.
• Construct new concrete walkway from Huey helicopter to concessionaire/exhibitor area.

State Parks will provide a copy of the blueprints for proposed upgrades to the chapel at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park visitor center for public review and comment. The public comment period will begin on Monday, July 31 at 8:00 a.m. and continues until Thursday, August 31 at 5:00 p.m.   

Comments should be submitted in writing to: Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park, County Road B-4, Angel Fire, NM 87710 or via fax at (505) 377-3223.

Long-term improvements will occur in two phases. Phase II projects, scheduled for next year, will include renovations and upgrades to the museum/visitor center.

The Memorial officially became New Mexico’s 33rd State Park in November 2005, and is now the only state park in the country dedicated solely as a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Victor and Jeanne Westphall originally established the Memorial in 1971, after their son David was killed in Vietnam.

Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial State Park is located in Angel Fire, 30 miles east from Taos on US 64.  For more information, contact Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial State Park at (505) 377-6900 or 888-NMPARKS (888-667-2757). Internet users can log onto www.nmparks.com.

See proposed plans by clicking here.

See detailed descriptions of proposed improvements by clicking here.

Click here to read a message from Thomas Turnbull, Manager of Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park

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