AUSTINTOWN TWP., Ohio - Organizers working to create a walk-through museum at Austintown’s 9/11 Memorial Park have reached one-third of their goal to raise $30,000 for the project.

Greenwood Chevrolet donated $3,000 for the project, according to a post on the park’s Facebook page.

9/11 Park Chairman Sam Swoger II says that so far they have raised nearly $7,000.

A banner posted at the park shows the progress made in the fundraising campaign which began nearly five months ago when 9/11 Memorial Committee Secretary Treasurer Kate Guzzo announced plans to add a walk-through feature to the park which was dedicated in 2004 to the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Park visitors can currently walk paths leading them to remnants of the World Trade Center beams from the 93rd Floor, building stones from the Pentagon, and an urn containing soil from the crash site of Fight 93.

The site, located at 1055 South Raccoon Road across from Austintown Middle School,  also includes memorials to first responders and Police Officers, a one-of-a-kind Gazebo shaped like the Pentagon, as well as a non-denominational Chapel.

The committee is asking for donations from the community to create a walk-through museum displaying items donated by the residents, businesses, and groups of Austintown.

Donations made so far have helped cover the cost of removing thirteen trees to open the park so visitors can better see the monuments.

The 2021-2022 wood shop Classes at Austintown Fitch High School replaced two arbors at the park.

Committee members have held fundraising efforts outside the local Walmart, taking donations and selling t-shirts.

Those wishing to to contribute may reach out to Swoger at 330.509.5269, or KatienGuzzo at kguzzo@austintowntwp.com or 330.792.8584.