World War Two-Era Park Rededicated As Fort Leonard Wood Community Park

Fort Leonard Wood’s Veterans’ Park is now known as Fort Leonard Wood Community Park.
Major General James Bonner, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general; Joe Driskill, chairman of the General Leonard Wood Foundation; and MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood Command Sergeant Major Jorge Arzabala unveiled a new plaque Friday morning, signifying what was formerly called Veterans’ Park had been rededicated as Fort Leonard Wood Community Park.
The park, located near the intersection of Missouri and North Dakota avenues, was originally constructed in 1942, and stonework was added in 1945, by German prisoners of war. The rededication of the park is occurring in two phases. Phase one included the new plaque and interpretive signs that have been added celebrating Fort Leonard Wood’s community support and heritage. The second phase, scheduled to be completed in 2024, will include the addition of a statue of General Leonard Wood on horseback and a compass rose monument.