MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)–Marion County is set to develop the Marion Memorial Garden, a tranquil tribute honoring victims of homicide with connections to the Marion County area. Located on the north side of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, this garden, created by the Victim Assistance Program, aims to provide a peaceful setting for remembrance, reflection, and healing.
The garden will serve as both a memorial to those lost and a symbol of support and solidarity for their families. It will be a space where loved ones can gather to grieve and remember their departed friends and relatives while their memory remains an integral part of the community.
Additionally, it stands as a poignant reminder that victims are not forgotten and that their families are supported.
Families wishing to include their loved ones’ names in the garden are invited to submit a form by September 1, 2025. The names will be included only with the approval of the family or next of kin, and the individual’s death must have been investigated as a criminal homicide with a connection to Marion County.
The garden will be open to the public, ensuring handicapped accessibility, safety, and a well-lit environment.
The official unveiling of the garden is planned for September 25, 2025, coinciding with National Homicide Victim Remembrance Day.
For further inquiries, community members can reach out at (740) 387-4401 or via email at Crittenour@co.marion.oh.us.
Completed forms can be submitted by email, mail, or in person at the Marion Victim Assistance Office, located at 233 West Center Street, Marion, OH 43302.
The memorial garden is being financed through donations. Contributions of any amount can be made to the United Way of North Central Ohio by check or by texting “MemorialGarden” to 40403.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available, ranging from $500 for a paver in a seating wall to $5,000 for a boulder sponsor.