The pro bono work of a Station Square firm kicked off a project to transform the front lawn of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Oakland into an elaborate garden that will honor local veterans. Now public support is needed if "Remembrance Park" is to become a reality.

Powerhouse Design Architects and Engineers designed the project for free. It features a circular walkway dedicated to each branch of the military and an honor garden for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that features the bow ornament of the USS Pittsburgh. Museum officials hope the enhanced appearance of the lawn will attract more visitors to its main building. The garden paths also will provide a respite for students, professors and passers-by from busy Fifth Avenue.

Cost estimates vary from $1 million to $4 million, and the museum is looking for help so it can meet its goal of unveiling the park on its 100th anniversary on Nov. 10, 2010. Donations can be made payable to Soldiers & Sailors at 4141 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, with "Remembrance Park" in the memo.