Cement Masons Build Memorial Park For Fallen Police Officer
Officer Derek Owens was gunned down in the line of duty in 2008 on Parkview Ave in the Woodland Hills area of Cleveland. Captain Keith Sulzer of Cleveland Police Foundation contacted Cement Masons Local 404 asking for help on a project at 10404 Parkview Ave in Woodland Hills. The Cleveland Police Foundation purchased 3 parcels of land on Parkview Ave in the actual location Officer Owens was shot and killed.
Patrol Officer Derek Owens served with the Cleveland Division of Police for 10 years and was assigned to the 4th District Police Department. On February 29, 2008, Patrol Officer Derek Owens was shot in the line of duty while investigating complaints affecting neighborhood quality of life issues. He died of injuries the next day, on March 1, 2008. Police officers and citizens from the 4th District neighborhood, in partnership with the Saint Luke’s Foundation, Buckeye Shaker Square Development Corporation, Councilman Kenneth Johnson and others, honored his memory with the creation of the Derek Owens Memorial Park. The park will be created on the three lots that comprise the site where Patrol Officer Derek Owens was shot.
Cement Masons Local 404’s apprenticeship instructor, Barry Dijulius did the layout, graded stone, and set up for the pours. Mr. Dijulius used 25-30 cement mason journeyman and apprentices on four different pours.
Ontario Stone Corp. donated the stone for the sub base while Euclid Chemical donated sealer and cure. The Chas. E. Phipps company donated the color for the stamped concrete and Tech Ready mix donated 84 yards of concrete.
The park will benefit the community by providing a safe play space for kids and adding to the community green space. It will also include a reading/gathering area, labyrinth, and beautiful plantings. It will serve as a living testament to Patrol Officer Derek Owens’ life and lasting legacy. The park is set to open up in mid-October. Local 404 is proud to help in the construction of the Derek Owens Memorial Park.
The 18,000-square-foot park, will feature reflective walking paths, new foliage, benches and a play set. It is scheduled to open in the spring of 2020 but a dedication ceremony will take place Nov. 9.