JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Changes are underway at a beloved garden that honors service members.

Lejeune Memorial Gardens will have upgrades for visitors to enjoy. A project that’s been 20 years in the making is starting.

Sharon Klenotiz’s mother, Pat Walker, was one of eight people who thought of the idea.

“It’s very emotional,” said Klenotiz. “I wish mom was here because she put all the work into this.”

Within the next six months, the construction site at Lejeune Memorial Gardens will soon become a welcome area with restrooms for visitors. The project cost $777,000 which came from the city, county, community and military.

“Not having a bathroom is a big issue,” said Onslow County comissioner Paul Buchanan. “Especially when you have guest speakers, and they have to use a facility. You have to take them off the site some place else.”

Jacksonville Deputy City Manager Ron Massey says the city is a place to visit, and with the changes underway it will be a a destination on many more lists.

“You take a day trip to Jacksonville,” said Massey. “You come in 15 to 30 minutes to visit the museum and tour the gardens.”

With the idea coming to life, officials hope this is a step in the right direction for the city and county.

“It’s amazing to see the growth,” said Klenotiz. “We have been in this town since 1979, so seeing the growth and hopefully seeing it continue is amazing.”

Klenotiz says she’s wishes her mother was here to experience the update to the garden.

“She put all the work into this,” said Klenotiz. “She was an amazing woman. She accomplished a lot, so to see this being built. We are building this for her.”

The City of Jacksonville says they will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony once the construction is completed.