'Boulder Strong' Memorial To Be Removed, Preserved

BOULDER, CO — The Boulder Strong memorial fence, which was created after the mass shooting March 22 at the King Soopers store, will be taken down, the city announced Tuesday.

Thousands of items were placed at the memorial, at 3600 Table Mesa Drive, and they will be removed and preserved, officials said. The city has partnered with the Museum of Boulder to "archive the tragedy for future generations," the city said in a news release.

After the memorial is removed, King Soopers plans to reset the fence and add mesh fabric along Table Mesa Drive with the 'Boulder Strong' message. A tribute space will be created along the west side of the parking lot, which is set to include an installation of fresh flowers — donated by King Soopers — to honor the victims.

After June 19, community members are invited to take a flower "as a gift for a neighbor or loved one to build connection and to heal," the news release read.

“It is so important for our community to continue to come together and heal,” said Chris Meschuk, Boulder deputy city manager, in a statement .

“This interactive space will offer a place for that healing as well as an opportunity to strengthen bonds in our community. Being able to share a flower with a neighbor is a powerful acknowledgement of what we have been through together and a symbol of thanks to those who have given so much.”

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The city is also looking into building a permanent memorial.

"Development of a possible permanent memorial is anticipated to take several years of thoughtful conversation in partnership with the city, the Museum, those directly impacted by the tragedy and the broader community," the news release read.

"Discussions are in the very early stages and there are no specifics on what a memorial might look like, how much it would cost or where it would be located."

Anyone who needs mental or emotional support can visit the Boulder Strong Resource Center, at 603 S. Broadway, which is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.