Orlando Health Unveils Memorial Paver Garden to Honor Lives Lost in Nightclub Tragedy

Forty nine limestone pavers with the names of the lives lost in the June nightclub tragedy have been placed in a circular design, forming a memorial garden at Lake Beauty Park on the Orlando Health campus. The memorial garden opened for visitors today.

“The Memorial Paver Garden is Orlando Health's tribute to the nine victims who were too critically injured to make it to surgery, and the 40 individuals who passed away at the nightclub,” said Matt Taylor, AICP, vice president, Asset Strategy, Orlando Health. “We hope the memorial garden will serve as a source of healing and remembrance for the families who lost loved ones, community members who have grieved for the innocent victims and offered support, and for the Orlando Health team members who provided care, comfort and support to patients, family members and each other during this difficult time.”

The limestone pavers are set within a memorial band encircling the entryway fountain. There is also a limestone paver with an inscription that reads: Orlando Health remembers the innocent victims who perished the morning of June 12, 2016. The memorial garden overlooks Lake Beauty.

Designed by the Orlando office of GAI Consultants, and constructed by Gomez Construction Company, the memorial garden is located near the area where the 49 crosses created by artist Greg Zanis were once placed. A Cross Conveyance Ceremony was held July 12 prior to the transfer of the crosses from the Orlando Health campus to the Orange County Regional History Center.