West Windsor residents who perished on 9/11/01
After the tragic events of 9/11, the Township resolved to construct a memorial dedicated to those West Windsor residents who perished on that horrific day. The memorial itself consists of two connected reflecting pools made of the essential elements of life—water, air and vegetation. It is a space for quiet contemplation. A handmade bridge crosses the waterfall between the two ponds. Pond plants and fish decorate the ponds and trees and ornamental shrubs surround them. Benches are provided for viewing and reflection. The 9/11 memorial was dedicated in April 2002 in a ceremony that honored the 9/11 victims and their families. The memorial was made possible by donations from West Windsor residents, families and friends of the victims and the “in-kind” efforts of local developers. These developers supplied the labor and equipment to dig the ponds, create the landscaping around them, provide electricity and water, and construct the benches. The bridge, itself, was designed and constructed by Richard Snedeker, a FOWWOS trustee, using donated materials. The overall design, construction and coordination of the memorial was completed by the Arboretum Committee of FOWWOS, headed by Harley Pickens. Township Landscape Architect Don Dobromilsky was responsible for integrating the 9/11 memorial into the overall plan of the Arboretum.