Manuel Perez Park
Manuel Perez Jr. was born in Oklahoma City in 1923.
He was awarded the
Medal Of Honor for his bravery during fighting in the Phillipines in World War II.
source:
https://images.findagrave.com/photos/2003/224/6404094_1060786760.jpg
(I colorized the image above to make it more interesting -- see the link for the original photo)
Though his family moved to Chicago when he was a boy, and he grew up there, Oklahoma City still claims him.
He died in battle in 1945, at the age of 22.
He was laid to rest at Fairlawn Cemetery in OKC.
In 1979, a small park was created to memorialize him, located near SW 14th and Harvey.
This stood for decades until a group decided to move to a larger site and create a more expansive memorial.
In 2016, Manuel Perez Park was moved to a 27 acre plot of land just south of the river.
https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/manue...d-in-riverfront-park/Content?oid=2993234
Location:
The west end of the site (between Robinson and Shields) was formerly a part of Wiley Post Park.
This area has become an popular place for activities among the hispanic community of south OKC, particularly the Capitol Hill area.
For example, the
Fiestas Patrias celebration has been held at Wiley Post Park the last few years:
source:
https://www.facebook.com/scissortailcdc/photos/gm.392415814746789/2437508256315219
As have
Cince De Mayo celebrations:
http://city-sentinel.com/2019/04/wiley-post-park-to-host-2019-okc-cinco-de-mayo-celebration/
But the plans for Manuel Perez Park are more ambitious than just open landscape.
There is to be expanded recreation areas, basketball and futsal courts, and playgrounds.
Most importantly, a new plaza and memorial to Manuel Perez -- as well as to all war veterans.
These improvements to the park were expected to be complete by the end of 2019.
But there has been some delay, and it will clearly be later than that.
Planned Improvements
The Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park, which was around prior to the move, will be incorporated into the new park.
Intended primarily for BMX bikes, the sports park will have new areas added that are suited for skateboarding.
Also new basketball and futsal courts will be constructed nearby.
The Manuel Perez Memorial will be constructed near the center of the park.
Flying over the memorial will be an American Flag, an Oklahoma Flag, and a Medal of Honor flag.
The plaque honoring Manuel Perez will hang immediately underneath next to the words "We Remember".
A pavilion area and playground will be placed near the memorial.
The pavilion will include both standing and seated areas able to accomodate 240 people.
Playgrounds:
http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=558-The-improved-Manuel-Perez-Park-could-be-open-by-late-2019
https://agenda.okc.gov/sirepub/view.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&fileid=4221405
As I mentioned earlier, the park was expected to be finished in 2019.
Since no activity has occurred yet, the schedule has clearly been pushed back.
Hopefully we'll see some signs of life on this project soon.
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