Spagnolo 9/11 Memorial Park

Image of the Spagnolo 9/11 Memorial Park

On July 4, 2002, steel remnants from the World Trade Center were donated to the Rancho Cucamonga community and displayed at the Jersey Fire Station for several days in order to allow community members to pay their respects and reflect on the events of 9/11. Reflection soon led to the desire for a permanent memorial in the City.

The planning for Fire Station 178 presented an opportunity to make this more than just a fire station. It will also be home to a 9/11 Memorial Park that will create a space to remember the selfless sacrifice that was made on that unimaginable day. The park will feature remnants from the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA.

On Thursday, November 2, 2023, Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes, presented the City of Rancho Cucamonga with a check for $3.2 Million for the construction of the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s 9/11 Memorial Park.

The City of Rancho Cucamonga is proud to announce that the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Spagnolo 9/11 Memorial Park will be held on September 11, 2025, at 830 a.m. located at 10597 Town Center Dr. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be followed by the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony taking place for the first time at its permanent home.

Spagnolo 9/11 Memorial Park Ribbon Cutting Invitation

Project Information

9/11 Memorial Park Check Presentation: November 2, 2023

November 2, 2023, Rancho Cucamonga, California – Today, Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes, presented the City of Rancho Cucamonga with a check for $3.2 Million for the construction of the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s 9/11 Memorial Park.

On July 4, 2002, steel remnants from the World Trade Center were donated to the Rancho Cucamonga community and displayed at the Jersey Fire Station for several days to allow community members to pay their respects and reflect on the events of September 11, 2001. Reflection soon led to the desire for a permanent memorial in the City. When the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District began planning for Fire Station 178 it presented the opportunity to make this more than just a fire station.

The 1.3-acre park will be built adjacent to Fire Station 178 on Town Center Dr. just east of Haven Avenue, currently under construction. The design of the park is centered around three artifacts from the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001: steel from the World Trade Center; material from Flight 93; and material from the Pentagon. The artifacts have been arranged at an overall scale of 1/4000 to the same spatial relationship that the three September 11 sites have to one another: Lower Manhattan; NY (World Trade Center Twin Towers); Stonycreek Township, PA (crash site of Flight 93); and Arlington, VA/Washington D.C. (Pentagon).

The artifacts have been linked together with a canopied walking path and a central canopied gathering space occupying the space in between. Along the paths, in the space between the artifacts, are two monuments to commemorate the City’s Gold Star Service Members who have lost their lives since September 11, 2001. Additional elements include a granite pedestal with an eternal flame, a planter with three flagpoles, benches for reflection, garden areas, and gathering spaces.

“We express our sincerest appreciation to Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes for her support in securing funding for 9/11 Memorial Park to make this long-standing vision a reality.” – Mike McCliman, City of Rancho Cucamonga Fire Chief

“Once built, the 9/11 Memorial Park will allow individuals to pay their respects, reflect, and honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, and those from our community who have paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. This would not have been possible without Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes’ efforts.” - Mayor of Rancho Cucamonga L. Dennis Michael

The City of Rancho Cucamonga and the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District are extremely appreciative for the support of Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes for championing the $3.2 Million funding for the 9/11 Memorial Park. The park will provide space for the City of Rancho Cucamonga and surrounding communities across the Southern California region for reflection and remembrance that commemorate the events that took place on September 11, 2001, as well as honor fallen service members. Being able to tie multiple community needs and interests into a centrally located fire station makes this a natural hub for individuals to reflect and connect!

View Check Presentation on YouTube

9/11 Memorial Park Fundraising

History

Check Presentation - November 2, 2023

Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes, presented the City of Rancho Cucamonga with a check for $3.2 Million for the construction of the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s 9/11 Memorial Park.

Funding Secured - July 18, 2023

Rancho Cucamonga's 9/11 Memorial Park is slotted to receive $3.2 million in funding for construction through AB 102, a state bill that enacts a portion of the 2023-24 state budget. This legislation included over $10 million in local funding secured by Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes.

Fire Station 178 Groundbreaking Ceremony - April 4, 2022

Special City Council Meeting - August 26, 2020

There is currently no budget for the project, therefore the $1.25 million would need to be fundraised by the community and managed by a community partner. On August 26, 2020, during a special meeting, the City Council Members / Fire Board voted unanimously in favor of establishing a fundraising goal of raising $150,000 in donations by September 11, 2021. The intent of this is to validate the community's interest in the 9/11 Memorial Project. If the $150,000 goal is not met by September 11, 2021, the City Council / Fire Board may consider releasing the steel remnants to another entity who is interested in the memorial concept and will refund any donations given to the project.

Background

On July 4, 2002, steel remnants from the World Trade Center were acquired and welcomed by the RC Community after it traveled across the Nation from New York. The steel remnants were put on display at the Jersey Fire Station for several days in order to allow community members to view a piece of the World Trade Center ruins, as well as pay their respects and reflect on the events of September 11, 2001. The steel remnants were then moved to a secure location while plans were made to build a 9/11 memorial that would incorporate the piece.