The Bedford City Council has unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the construction of a Veterans Memorial Plaza at Harris Ryals Park. The council gave the go-ahead for city manager Andrea Roy to enter into a contract with MGS Cortex Construction for $218,500, which includes contingency funds of $25,000.
Project Details
The plaza will feature memorial walls, commemorative plaques, flagpoles, seating areas, walking paths, and landscaping, creating a space for reflection, education, patriotic ceremonies, and community gatherings. The park is named for Bronze Star recipient Army Sgt. 1st Class Harris Ryals, whose 22-year career spanned World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam.
The selection of MGS followed a competitive bidding process for construction of the 10,000-square-foot plaza, which will also include a 21-foot monument and bronze seals for the six military branches. The city sent bid information to 58 vendors and received 10 responses, with MGS being the successful bidder based on the scoring criteria applied.
The approval came on a night with special symbolic significance, as members of the HEB American Legion Post 379 were present in the audience. Mayor Dan Cogan welcomed the veterans before the meeting was called to order, thanking them for their service as the council prepared to take action on the plaza.
Timeline and Completion
Mark Long, assistant city manager, provided the timeline for the project, noting that the city had already been in contact with MGS ahead of the vote. The city is aiming for completion in November, with Veterans Day being November 11.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
