Design by Gordon Huether.
The public memorial to honor the 17 victims of the Parkland school massacre has moved one step closer with the selection of Gordon Huether’s design.
Huether, a renowned artist from Napa, California, was chosen from six finalists following a nationwide design competition overseen by the Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation.
“Our decision was not an easy one, so many of the designs submitted really captured the essence of what this Memorial should represent,” said Vice Chairman of the Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation Tony Montalto, father of Gina Montalto and liaison to the victims’ families.
“The public input is very much appreciated. Now we move on to the fundraising and construction stage so we can have a public place to remember and reflect on those who were taken far too soon from our families and our community.”
The Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, has been leading the effort to create a lasting tribute for the victims who were tragically taken on February 14, 2018. The families of the victims have been actively involved in the design process, with ongoing input at every stage. The public also had the opportunity to share their thoughts through an online survey.
Design by Gordon Huether.
“We are deeply humbled and honored to have been selected to create the Memorial for the victims of the Parkland school shooting,” said Huether. “We believe this memorial will be a place where friends, families, and the community can come together to honor and remember those lives taken in this senseless tragedy.”
Huether’s design features concentric circles, with a central fountain and seating area surrounded by 17 limestone obelisks, each representing one of the victims.
These towering forms will display the names and significant information about each individual who lost their life: Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque Anguiano, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup, and Peter Wang.
The design also includes a poem that will be engraved into the plaza’s surface, adding a poignant touch to the space. To provide comfort and shade for visitors, the memorial will feature structures that incorporate laser-cut designs, casting unique shadows as the day progresses. The circular theme will be completed by 17 royal palm trees and an outer seating wall that will form the border of the memorial.
Fundraising is currently underway at https://parkland17.org/donate/ for the Memorial, which will be located within a 150-acre preserve that borders Coral Springs and Parkland to unite the two affected communities.
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