Celebrate The Completion of William H. Thorpe Memorial Park
The City of Macomb invites the community to celebrate the completion of William H. Thorpe Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, July 31st at 11:30am at the 1200 and 1300 blocks of East Pierce Street. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
The park honors the legacy of William H. “Bill” Thorpe, a lifelong Macomb resident, military veteran, and trailblazing public servant. Born in 1933, Thorpe graduated from Macomb High School and Western Illinois University before serving in the U.S. military during the Korean War.
In 1962, Thorpe became the first Black police officer for the City of Macomb and McDonough County. During his distinguished career, he rose to the rank of sergeant and served as acting lieutenant. He earned the respect of the community through his commitment to fairness, integrity, and service, building trust across neighborhoods and leaving a lasting impact on generations of Macomb residents.
“William H. Thorpe’s legacy is one of courage, compassion, and dedication to serving others,” said City of Macomb Mayor Michael Inman. “This park stands as a lasting tribute to his contributions and the values he represented throughout his life.”
Community members are encouraged to attend the ceremony and join in celebrating the completion of a park that honors one of Macomb’s most influential public servants.