KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — On the two-year anniversary of the shooting spree that killed six people in the Kalamazoo area, efforts continue to build a large memorial to the victims.
The ForeverStrong memorial project is being spearheaded by Laurie Smith, the wife and mother of shooting rampage victims Rich and Tyler Smith.
In a Monday release, ForeverStrong said it is still working to raise between $2 million and $3 million for a memorial walkway and pavilion — referred to as the Memorial Axis — and some $7 million for a memorial soccer center. Those figures don’t include the cost of land. Donations may be made at the ForeverStrong website.
The organization is still working to find locations for the Axis and soccer center. It said it has looked at eight spots, only one of which is still a viable option. It did not specify where that site is, though it said the “ideal property” would run along I-94 in Kalamazoo County. The original plan was for the Axis and soccer center to be on the same property, but that may have to change based on where property can be found.