A disagreement over the placement of a 60-foot flagpole at Showse Park has placed a $25,000 donation from the Lorain County Veterans Service Commission at risk. The donation was intended to fund the installation of a flagpole as part of the ongoing Showse Park Revitalization and Transformation Project.
The flagpole was initially proposed as a centerpiece of a veterans memorial in Showse Park. According to multiple individuals involved in the project, including community members Paul Habermehl and Cliff German, the donation was accepted by the city under the condition that the flag would be placed in a central, prominent location—specifically, directly south of the main Showse Park sign, on the north side of the park. This location, they say, was agreed upon by all parties, including Councilman Jeff Lucas, during the early planning stages.
At the May 20, 2025, Parks and Recreation Board meeting, Habermehl and German spoke during public participation to express concern that a Parks subcommittee had proposed an alternative placement in the northeast corner of the park, near a tree line and residential property. They stated that this was not consistent with the original agreement and would reduce the visibility and symbolic significance of the flag.
Cliff German stated publicly that the flagpole, flag, and associated landscaping were offered as a complete donation, and that the $25,000 check had already been given to the city. He reiterated that the donation was conditional upon the flagpole being installed in the location agreed upon at the time of the donation. “The donation was accepted under the premise that it would be placed in a certain specified area,” German wrote in a public comment. “We trusted the wrong person.”
Paul Habermehl emphasized that visibility from across the park and Lake Erie was a central component of the original vision. “We want to put the flag in the front and center of the park, to be seen from any location, including by boaters out in the lake,” he said.
No vote was taken during the May 20 meeting, and Parks Board Chair Tina Swinehart stated that the discussion is ongoing. “We haven’t made a decision yet… We don’t want to make a decision yet. We want to look at it a little further and make sure we get it right,” Swinehart said.
Councilman Jeff Lucas, who has overseen the broader revitalization project, was not present at the May 20 meeting. Vermilion Daily reached out to Lucas for comment but did not receive a response. In a prior public statement posted to the Showse Park Revitalization and Transformation Project Facebook group, Lucas stated that the location under consideration was chosen “to provide a peaceful, reflective setting—one that invites visitors safely and with inclusive access.” He acknowledged that not everyone agrees with the decision and expressed a desire for continued civil dialogue.
Following the meeting, Ward 3 Councilman Drew Werley was observed speaking with members of the Flags on Liberty group. During the conversation, Werley made a pointed remark—paraphrased here:
“If they treat donor money like this, can you imagine how they treat your tax dollars?”
The working design for the proposed memorial, submitted by an anonymous designer, features a large paver area, flower beds, and solar-powered uplighting for a 60-foot pole flying a 12’ x 18’ American flag. The original plan reflects the vision presented by the donor group, placing the flagpole in a central position to maximize its visibility and symbolism.
Following the May 20 meeting, it was confirmed that the Lorain County Veterans Service Commission may revoke the $25,000 donation if the city does not adhere to the original placement terms.
As of this report, no final decision has been made on the flagpole’s location. Discussions between the city, the Parks Board, and representatives of the donor group remain ongoing.
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