SYCAMORE | Four months after the death of Charley Laing, Sycamore resident and owner of Laing Management, a park at the corner of Ottawa and Main Streets in Sycamore will be dedicated in his memory.

Charley Laing’s wife, Kathy Laing contacted Dave Peek, Sycamore Park District executive director in January. Plans for the park were passed at the park board meeting Feb. 20.

Peek said Kathy Laing and family are donating $80,000 to reimburse the city for the land purchased, and up to $140,000 to pay for improvements including a gazebo, playground and landscaping.

Construction is set to start soon, and Peek said he’s expecting the project to be finished by Memorial Day weekend or the middle of June. Peek is expecting a grand opening or ribbon-cutting ceremony upon completion.

“I wanted to give back to the community after my husband’s death,” Kathy Laing said. “I’m very excited about it.”

Kathy Laing said her son was married in St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was previously on the location before burning down. She also said she walks by the location everyday.

“The land has some significance to me,” Kathy Laing said.

Peek said it is possible to buy personalized commemorative bricks to incorporate into the design by contacting the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

Jerry Smith, executive director of the DeKalb County Community Foundation, said forms are available through the Park District or www.getabrick.com. The cost for 4-by-8 inch bricks is $50, and 8-by-8 inch bricks cost $100.

Some bricks are being used for memorial purposes, but anything within reason can be put on the bricks, Smith said. Forms and checks can be sent to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, and are due by March 31.