Dubuque's Veterans Memorial Plaza Receives Iowa Excellence in Concrete Award for Project Improvements

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Dubuque’s Chaplain Schmitt Island Veterans Memorial Plaza has been awarded an Excellence in Concrete Award for recent site improvements.

The award was presented to the following project partners at the 2021 Iowa Better Concrete Conference held Nov. 10:

Ready Mixed Concrete Producer: BARD Materials
Owner: City of Dubuque
General Contractor: Conlon Construction
Concrete Subcontractors: Taylor Construction, Inc.; Manders Quality Concrete;   D & D Superior Concrete Construction
Architect/Designer: RDG Planning & Design
Engineer: WHKS & Co.

 
The award recognizes recent improvements made to the plaza, including seating, space for additional memorials and tributes, and enhancements to the pond. The improvement project also included a new memorial for Chaplain Schmitt composed of a decorative swirling concrete path that transforms into an elevated boardwalk extending from the Veterans Memorial Plaza over the pond. A circular landing that contains a sculpture titled "Skyward" is located at the end of the boardwalk and allows visitors to read and reflect on a poem etched on the inside.

The completed $3.2 million improvement project, funded entirely by the Dubuque Racing Association, adds prominence to the memorial and seeks to further honor all area veterans and their service.

For more information, or to order a memorial paver, call 563.589.4263 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/vmplaza.

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