North Wildwood’s Gateway Entrance and Gold Star Families Memorial Moves Forward
The City of North Wildwood is one step closer to not only upgrading their entrance into the city but also paying homage to the brave Veterans and Fallen Heroes who have selflessly served the nation.
The Gold Star Families Memorial and Gateway Entrance Improvement project has been in the works for the past few years but this week, the official bidding for the project has been advertised.
North Wildwood’s Gateway Entrance and Gold Star Families Memorial Moves Forward
The project, which is supposed to start this Spring, will be partially done by summer with the rest being started in the Fall.
The project encompasses a network of blocks, lots, and public rights-of-way along Spruce Avenue, Anglesea Drive, and New York Avenue. (These lots are the old gas station, the Triangle Restaurant, last known as Ninos, and the existing park North of Spruce Ave.
These locations will be reimagined to create a multifaceted experience that not only beautifies the cityscape but also offers a meaningful way to honor Veterans and Fallen Heroes.
At the heart of the project, and located North of the property, will be the Gold Star Families Memorial and park.
A Gold Star Families Memorial is a tribute dedicated to the families who have lost a loved one in military service. It honors the sacrifice of those who have died while serving in the armed forces, symbolized by a gold star.
The memorial serves as a place of reflection and remembrance for Gold Star families, providing a space to honor and acknowledge their profound loss and the service of their fallen family members.
The introduction to this to the city will be the first one not only in Cape May County but in the entire state of New Jersey.
The selected statue for the memorial features four representations on black marble, depicting “Homeland” with an image of the Hereford Lighthouse, “Family” capturing a moment of a family holding hands on the beach, “Patriot” showcasing the iconic “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima,” and “Sacrifice” presenting an image of a soldier’s casket draped with the American flag.
The focal point of the memorial is a cutout section depicting a soldier giving a salute. This memorial will pay homage to those here in the Wildwoods who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Additionally, the memorial park will encompass a VFW Memorial, three flagpoles, an educational garden walk, bike racks, a water station, a fix-it station, and various other amenities.
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On the southern side of Spruce Avenue is where the Towner Sculpture and another park will sit.
The towner, which is 50 feet tall, will feature the International Maritime Nautical Signal Flag, a welcome sign, a fountain, benches, and greenery.
The towner has a secret message in it for those who can understand International Maritime Nautical Signal Flags.
North Wildwood’s initiative not only sets a precedent for Cape May County but also for the entire state of New Jersey. As the community looks forward to the project’s unfolding, it is a testament to the city’s commitment to honoring its heroes and creating a space for reflection and remembrance.
The Wildwood Video Archive visited the site to give a walking tour of the property. You can watch the tour in the video below.
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