On Wednesday evening, the Turlock Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission (PARC) will consider selecting the new home for the cannon that was previously outside of the War Memorial building.
City of Turlock staff has been examining several options for the cannon, but after a workshop hosted at the May PARC meeting, staff is recommending the cannon be moved to the south side of Central Park, located on the corner of E. Main Street and Golden State Boulevard.
On April 28, Turlock City Council unanimously approved to sell three properties at 247 E. Canal Dr., 900 N. Palm St., and 250 Starr Ave. to TID at a price of $2.61 million.
Although the sale of the properties, which includes the War Memorial, will not be finalized till after Aug. 26, the City of Turlock is looking for a new home for the cannon that has stood outside of the War Memorial for years.
Many local veterans groups have been in support of the relocation to Central Park, favoring the public location.
“We’re in full support of the City moving it to a more public location, giving it the honor and respect it deserves for the veterans,” said VFW Commander Mike Seward at the May PARC meeting.
On Wednesday, PARC will host a public hearing to allow the public’s input on the cannon’s relocation before making final recommendation to City Council.
Some concerns were raised at the May 13 meeting, however, including fear of vandalism at the park, which has a large transient population during the day.
To help prevent vandalism, the City of Turlock is planning to make a cement pad for the cannon to sit on and will likely place an iron fence around the cannon.
Once the new location is determined, the City of Turlock will highlight the cannon at several local events, including the Fourth of July Parade in Downtown Turlock, before it is placed.
If all goes according to plan, the City of Turlock would have a dedication of the cannon’s new location on Veteran’s Day.
On Wednesday, PARC will also consider funding requests from the Community Events and Activities Grant program for a total of $46,000.
The community grant program is funded with Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) dollars, which the City gets when people stay in Turlock hotels.
PARC will be considering funding for 10 events, including the 49th Assyrian Convention (up to $10,000), 2016 Central Valley Brewfest (up to $6,000), 2016 Coors Monster Trucks Spring Nationals (up to $3,500), Fields of Ice (up to $5,000), and Turlock Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze (up to $1,000).
The events will each give a five minute presentation to state their case for grant dollars. There are $56,500 in requests and $46,000 available this funding cycle, according to the staff report.
PARC will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Yosemite Room at City Hall, 156 S. Broadway.
