The long-awaited grand opening of a new park that honors the legacy of America’s top Korean War jet ace, who once called Apple Valley home, is scheduled for Veterans Day.
City representatives will gather at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, to celebrate the opening of Capt. Joseph McConnell Jr., USAF Park, at 21878 Pah-Ute Ave., between Navajo and Quinnault roads, officials said in a written statement.
“From new playgrounds to sports fields and a stunning veterans monument, McConnell Park was built for play, reflection, and connection,” the statement said. “Take a sneak peek at the progress and come be a part of this exciting celebration!”
Workers broke ground on the new state-funded park in October 2024.
Park features
The new park, situated next to an Apple Valley Unified School District administrative office, was funded through a Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program grant from the California Department of Parks and Recreation in 2021.
Amenities include a running track with a synthetic surface, a football field with lighting, a baseball field, two soccer fields, as well as an all-abilities inclusive playground and walkway, officials said.
The park also boasts picnic shelters, a dog park, a restroom and lighted parking.
Who was Capt. Joseph McConnell Jr.?
Capt. McConnell was the top fighter jet pilot of the Korean War, according to the USAF.
He earned the status of “ace” with his fifth enemy MiG-15 shoot-down on Feb. 16, 1953. Three months later, he became a “triple ace” upon tallying his 16th confirmed kill from his F-86 Sabre.
He lived in Apple Valley with his wife and children, serving at the now-shuttered George Air Force Base in Victorville. The family’s home, known as the “Appreciation House,” was gifted to McConnel by the residents of Apple Valley in gratitude for his military service.
McConnell was killed in a crash at age 32 while testing a new version of the F-86 on Aug. 25, 1954, at Edwards Air Force Base.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: New park honoring Korean War jet ace to open in Apple Valley on Veterans Day
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
