When people think about memorials in Woodland Park, their
thoughts often turn to Lion’s Memorial Park. However, that isn’t
the only place where city residents can dedicate small memorials or
plant a tree in the memory of a loved one.
The city doesn’t have an official memorial program per se but
city staff will bend over backwards to help people with their
memorials.
“We will work with people any way we can to get them what they
need,” said City Clerk Cindy Morse. “We have a number of small
memorials around town. One of these is in front of the Ute Pass
Cultural Center.”
The memorial is in memory of Michael Robert Markus who died in a
tragic accident in 1993 at the age of 14.
“He was the son of Darrel Markus, a long time city employee, and
the grandson of Naomi Markus, who was famous around the city,”
Morse said. “She believed turning the old school gym into the Ute
Pass Cultural Center was the best idea the city ever had and when
she asked if she could place a memorial to her grandson in front of
the building we thought it was a great idea.”
Another memorial in town is a tree planted in memory of former
city councilman Bill Saulsberry at the Woodland Park Senior
Center.
“He was a big, stalwart man and a big supporter of seniors,”
Morse said. “This is a way we can recognize community.”
The city also takes gifts of trees. “We are a Tree City USA so
these gifts are a big help,” she said.
To find out more about memorials and making gifts call City Hall
at 687-9246 and you can ask for Morse.