DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The removal of the confederate monument in Dallas’ Pioneer Park is underway.
As of Thursday morning, fencing surrounding the monument was being removed and equipment was arriving to Pioneer Park. It’s a process the city says could take as long as two months.
According to the city, the monument is large and heavy. The central obelisk is 60 feet tall; four Confederate figures are 19 feet tall with the pedestals; and sculptures are marble with granite bases. As such, removal requires pre-construction scanning, delivery and set up of equipment and scaffolding, disassembly to archival standards, crating and transport to storage locations and demobilization of the site. 
On February 13, 2019, City Council approved funding not to exceed $480,000 for the removal. The estimated cost is $396,000. The removal was delayed due to pending litigation cl;aiming the city didn’t follow protocol in its vote to remove it. But, last week the city’s emergency request to remove the monument out of fear protesters could take it down themselves was approved.
City staff installed barricades around the site and covered the monument from public view. The coverings have since been taken down as crews begin the removal process.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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