Groups hope to restore glory to Lorain Veterans Memorial Park

Lorain County groups are hoping to restore glory to what they say is an underused tribute to veterans.The Lorain Veterans Memorial Park on W Erie Avenue sits adjacent to Lorain City Hall and one block west of Broadways downtown shops and businesses. Despite its prime location, some acknowledge the small park is often overlooked.I went most of my life, 52 years old, I didnt know this was Veterans Park for a long time, said Ward 7 Lorain City Council member John Bearer.The U.S. Marine Corps veteran is working with the city and the Lorain County Veterans Service Commission to transform the park into a destination.I think weve got a lot of potential, and I think we can work off of it, Bearer said.The park currently features a stage, fountain and raised platform with a large stone memorial. Veterans groups say some corners of the park have not received the respect a memorial park deserves.There are some places where people have left graffiti, or what have you, said Jacob Smith, the executiv