Public memorial announced to honor victims of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting massacre
FORT LAUDERDALE -- Plans to build a public memorial to the 17 victims of the Parkland tragedy are finally taking shape.
The nonprofit 'Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation' has secured a 2-acre tract off Coral Ridge Drive next to the Blue Heron community.
It's on the site of a former golf course that's being made into a preserve.
"This foundation was established to build the official public memorial to the victims of the Parkland massacre to ensure they are forever remembered as the people they were," said Tony Montalto, who is vice chairman of the group and whose daughter, Gina Montalto, was one of those killed.
"As innocent children with vibrant, bright futures ahead of them - educators and coaches who gave so much of themselves to their students."
CBS4 spoke to Montalto at the entry to the site on Wednesday
It is on the border of Coral Springs and Parkland. Coral Springs police and fire played a pivotal role in the response to the tragedy.
"Each community suffered loss so I'm glad we waited to find the right spot," said Montalto
Coral Springs deputy fire chief Mike Moser who is chair of the Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation says the tragedy was personal.
"It's personal for the community and everyone who worked that day. We will never forget."
Broward's cultural division is handling the call to artists.
Artists are being asked to submit relevant examples of their work, letter of interest and a proposed design and budget.
Fundraising is now underway for the Memorial which needs to be built and maintained.
Information is available at Parkland17.org.
According to Montalto, design proposals will be reviewed by the victims' families and evaluated by the foundation.
The public will be allowed to provide input about the memorial through the foundation's website and to foundation board members.
The victims of the shooting were: Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque Anguiano, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jamie Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup and Peter Wang.
