Council clears way for Hope Remembrance Park at Veterans Park after veterans groups sign on

The Hibbing City Council voted April 15 to allow design and construction of Hope Remembrance Park, a memorial for families affected by pregnancy, infant and child loss. The nonprofit Light Up for Loss Minnesota (founder Nina Pleshi) presented the proposal and said the group has raised over $50,000 and secured unanimous support from the VFW, the American Legion and the DAV for siting the memorial at Veterans Park.

Pleshi described the planned features — an Angel of Hope statue, quiet landscaping, pathways and seating — and told council that a landscape design had been paid for and can be adapted to the new site. City services director Mr. Ro (Nick) recommended resolution 2604-06 to allow the organization to proceed with design and construction at Veterans Park; he cited the site’s parking and visibility and said the city would include co‑branding signage so the veterans memorial and the remembrance area would coexist.

Councilors asked about naming and signage; Mr. Ro said Veterans Park would retain its name and that Light Up for Loss would be co‑branded on new signage. The council approved the resolution, and staff said the organization will proceed with a site survey and next steps once city approvals and permits are in place.

What happens next: staff will work with the nonprofit on permitting, a detailed site survey and any required site adjustments; community leaders and veterans groups will continue to be involved in final design.