Macomb is taking the next step toward creating a park named in honor of the city’s first Black police officer.
William H. Thorpe Memorial Park will be located on a triangular plot of land in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of East Pierce Street.
The city council this week agreed to seek bids for doing the concrete and grade work at the site. Community Development Director Miranda Lambert told the council this will give the city an idea of how much that will cost.
“We’ll extend the sidewalk on the right-of-way, and then have a path throughout the park itself,” she said.
The work will be paid for with a combination of donations, ARPA money, and TIF district funds.
Gregg Huston, who was raised by the Thorpe family, praised the park plan during an interview last year with TSPR.
“This park is recognizing someone who has given his all to this community. Born and raised in that part of town. To have that named after him, yeah, it’s a good idea. It’s a great idea,” said Huston, who is a past president of the McDonough County NAACP.
Thorpe was born in Macomb and grew up in the community. He graduated from Macomb High School and Western Illinois University.
He joined the police department in September of 1961.
Thorpe served for 22 years, retiring as a sergeant.
He passed away at his home on Oct. 21, 2019.
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