It has been 12 years since fire swept The Station nightclub claiming the lives of 100 people.

While the tragedy of that event will never be erased, there’s growing conviction that a lasting memorial to the victims will be a reality by next spring.

The $2 million capital campaign is off to a good start and gaining momentum Gina Russo, a fire survivor and campaign co-chair said Friday as yet another contribution was made to the cause.

Fundraising and planning for the park did not begin in earnest until the land was donated to the foundation in 2012.

“It was difficult to fundraise for something you didn’t have,” she explained.

On Friday Rep. Patricia Serpa joined Russo and Dan Barry, president of Daniel R. Barry & Associates, for a latte at Dunkin Donuts, two blocks away from the site. Serpa was carrying a $5,000 legislative grant for the cause and looked for an update on the campaign.

“We’re getting people on board quicker than we expected,” Barry said.

Trade unions are ready to give their services in helping to build the park, and victims’ families are also involved. All four members of the state congressional delegation are members of the honorary campaign committee as are key corporate and community leaders. An announcement of funds raised and major contributors is expected this fall.

Heading the campaign with Russo are Donald Carcieri, who was governor at the time of the fire, and his wife, Sue.

Many groups such as the faith community, financial community and unions have gotten involved.

“The fire didn’t care where you came from. And everyone realizes that,” said Barry.

Like 9/11, Barry said people remember what they were doing when they learned of the horrendous fire and the 100 lives it took.

Serpa recalls being outside her house that night and smelling the smoke and hearing the sirens. Then the news started filtering in with the numbers of victims growing at each report.

“Will this never end?” she remembers thinking in horror.

Looking ahead, Serpa agrees that the spring is a good season for the opening, representing renewal and rebirth.

“It’s going to be quite a sight,” she said.

The victims will be remembered on one of the Memorial Park’s monuments, with their name and date of birth. The monuments will be illuminated. Individual memorials for the victims will make up the grounds encircling each monument.

Though not initially obvious to all observers, landscapers have designed part of the grounds to resemble a guitar, and the monuments in various shapes, such as a disc or CD, to symbolize the passion for music felt by many of the victims.

Family members of the deceased as well as survivors are grateful for the support and planning that has gone into the project.

“We’re leaving a tribute behind for victims of a tragedy,” said Russo.

A stone pavilion at the highest point of the grounds will have eight steps leading up to it, each dedicated to a different group: the survivors, first responders, caregivers, volunteers, clergy, family members, friends, and the state. All aspects of the park are being constructed so that they are accessible to visitors with disabilities.

The park will contain a sealed vault filled with memorials and personal belongings placed at the site following the fire.