Veteran’s Memorial Park

Cochran partnered with the City of Union to transform the vision for Veterans Memorial Park into a vibrant, award-worthy community destination that balances recreation, accessibility, and environmental stewardship. Originally projected to cost between $8 million and $9 million, the park’s master plan (completed by another design team) exceeded the City’s available budget. Faced with the possibility of not being able to more forward, the City turned to Cochran to evaluate and create a revised approach and master plan. Through innovative redesign, value engineering, and strategic project management, Cochran helped reimagine the project and reduce construction costs to approximately $4.9 million without compromising the park’s long-term vision or functionality.

Serving as the lead engineer and designer, Cochran developed a phased implementation strategy and multiple bid packages that generated an additional estimated $600,000 in savings by minimizing contractor overhead and maximizing competitive pricing. Phase One included more than 100,000 cubic yards of earthwork to create the foundation for a premier recreational complex featuring soccer, football, baseball, and softball fields, along with ponds, parking areas, roadways, utilities, and comprehensive stormwater management infrastructure.

Beyond the athletic facilities, Cochran designed amenities that encourage year-round community use and outdoor recreation. The park includes a one-mile nature trail connected to the City’s sidewalk network, an ADA-accessible walking trail, accessible fishing platforms, inclusive playgrounds, and architectural designs for concession buildings, restrooms, and pavilions. These features complement the park’s wetlands, splash park, open green spaces, and passive recreation areas to create a destination that serves residents of all ages and abilities.

Since opening in 2017, Veterans Memorial Park has become one of Union’s signature community assets, hosting athletic tournaments, family gatherings, and recreational activities while enhancing quality of life throughout the region. The project exemplifies Cochran’s ability to transform ambitious community visions into financially responsible, sustainable, and enduring public spaces that deliver lasting value for generations to come.