ALCA Asks Members to Design, Build 'Ground Zero' Park

The Associated Landscape Contractors of America have been asked to build a memorial park in honor of the victims of Sept. 11, 2001.  The “Heroes Park” will be constructed in a highly visible area of Lower Manhattan – in close proximity to “Ground Zero.”

Just more than half an acre in size, the park should be installed sometime this fall.

Following the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the site was used as a staging area for police and firefighters. The Red Cross set up tents there as well. The site was also the main checkpoint for Lower Manhattan. As the nearest point to the World Trade Center and the southern-most point in Manhattan that was publicly accessible, the site saw tremendous pedestrian traffic – covering nearby fences with yellow ribbons, poems, artwork and messages.

ALCA is crunching through a one-month design deadline, so all ALCA member companies, landscape architects and designers who would like to participate should contact the association immediately.

The plan is to have a charette in early May with approximately 10 participants to develop a suitable design. However, construction of the “Heroes Park” will be an ongoing project throughout the year. There will be abundant opportunities for all ALCA members who are interested in participating on various levels.

ALCA is now building the final criteria that will guide the design process and will have CAD drawings and photos available on its Web site soon.