By Cassandra Farmer, Back to Nature Landscape Associates, Inc.

 

The outer beech ring of the memorial contains a steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Towers site and holds a commemorative plaque. Names and messages of those who donated time or money to the memorial are engraved on the bluestone pavers surrounding the metal medallion.

Kernards Township, N.J. is home to many daily commuters into New York City and tragically lost 25 community members in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In 2004, community leaders and family members of those lost began plans for a place of remembrance to honor those victims. Anthony Sblendorio, an eight-year resident, landscape architect and the principal of Back to Nature Landscape Associates, was eager to make a contribution to his hometown. Anthony offered his firm?EUR??,,????'?????<

Sblendorio and landscape architect and life-long township resident, Thomas Salaki, headed the design team for the project. After meeting with township representatives and the families of the victims, the team sought to capture the thoughts and words of all the participants into a single purposeful concept. The concept was ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Three concentric circles formed the main design feature of the proposal: an outer ring of clipped beech, a second ring of boxwood and the inner ring a stone-backed bench enclose the visitor inside the ?EUR??,,????'?????<

With this one word, ?EUR??,,????'?????<

In an emotional ceremony, the 9/11 memorial was dedicated on Sept, of this year. Since that ceremony, many township residents have visited this space to reflect and share the embrace of remembrance.

As part of its strong community commitment, Back to Nature donated all design and half of the construction services for the execution of the September 11 memorial.

For more information on Back to Nature visit www.backtonature.net