COVID-19 Memorial Unveiled In Howard County Park, Sculpture Will Be Added

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The COVID-19 Memorial remembering those who died during the global pandemic has been unveiled.

Located at Meadowbrook Park in Ellicott City, the memorial grove features 44 native birch trees and a water feature surrounded by seating. The design aims to "offer visitors a calming place of reflection."

"The COVID-19 pandemic affected all of us in ways that we may never be able to adequately express. Through this memorial, I hope our residents find a safe, quiet space where they come, reflect and feel at peace, while honoring all who we lost and all the sacrifices made during the pandemic. This project is part of the healing process as our community regroups from the tragedies surrounding the pandemic and it empowers us to come together to celebrate all that we have accomplished," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said during the unveiling ceremony.

Native birch trees were chosen for the memorial grove because of their symbolism of new beginnings and growth. The first tree was planted at the memorial grove’s groundbreaking ceremony in November 2023. The memorial’s fountain is made of polished black granite and reflects the adjacent trees and surroundings. A seating area surrounds the fountain, along with landscaped beds of colorful flowers to brighten the area.

“The memorial has truly come together beautifully with the fountain, trees, walkways and benches. Now, with the artistic talents of Mr. Benedict and Ms. Kuonen, a new sculpture will further enhance this memorial,” said Nick Mooneyhan, director of Howard County Recreation and Parks Department.

During the ribbon cutting, Ball also unveiled the design for a commissioned sculpture selected to be featured at the memorial. After reviewing more than 40 designs, Howard County officials selected Florida artists Jim Benedict and Lily Kuonen to design and complete a 16-foot sculpture that features fabricated bronze and native Bay forget-me-not flowers, memorialized and supported in a stainless steel base. The flowers were chosen because they symbolize remembrance, comfort, hope, empathy, compassion and the strength of the human spirit, organizers say. The sculpture is expected to be completed and installed by September 2025.

The memorial can be found at the park near the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, 5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City.