Memorial Park is the oldest park in Arlington Heights and the only park dedicated exclusively to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. The land was donated in 1883 by Arlington Heights (then called Dunton) resident Dr. John Best with the purpose of honoring the 61 area residents who served their nation during the Civil War. Succeeding generations added monuments to Memorial Park to commemorate veterans who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.
After more than a century of service to veterans and the community, Memorial Park was in need of renewal. So, in the Spring of 2007, a community group of dedicated veterans and other residents began working with the Arlington Heights Park Foundation and the Arlington Heights Park District An intensive with the purpose of redesigning and reconstructing Memorial Park. effort spanning nearly two years culminated in a new design that evolved Memorial Park into a living history of our nation, our community and the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.
At the heart of the new Memorial Park is a central plaza that educates and informs visitors about the service and sacrifice of veterans by displaying:
- the official seal of all six branches of the United States military in the order that they were chartered by Congress: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine
- a set of bronze markers listing the 15 military conflicts in which Arlington Heights veterans served – from the Civil War through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan
- commemorative bricks for individual veterans with inscriptions detailing their military service.
This new design captured the hearts and minds of our community. Contributions for the reconstruction of Memorial Park came from many public and private sources including: residents; civic and veterans' organizations; businesses; a grant from the Village of Arlington Heights and another from the office of State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-33); as well as dedication of funds from the Arlington Heights Park District.
Memorial Park was formally rededication on November 8, 2008 – the 125th anniversary of the Park. This ceremony marked the completion of Phase I renovations and launched Phase II efforts that enhance the Park further. Currently, focus of Phase II is to raise funds for the Eternal Flame bronze sculpture which will stand at the center of the Memorial Park Plaza
» View Eternal Flame
Historic Video of Memorial Park and its Redevelopment
On the Village of Arlington Heights website, you can view an historic video on Memorial Park going back to the Civil War. Simply logon to: VAH.com/video
Memorial Park Presentation
The Drive to Revive Memorial Park Committee has prepared a 20-25 minute slide presentation detailing the new design of Memorial Park as well as highlighting examples of individual veterans honored with commemorative bricks in the Central Plaza. This informative and moving presentation can be presented to groups. For information and to schedule a presentation, please contact Greg Padovani, Chairman, Drive to Revive Memorial Park Committee at 847-392-9113.