Playground project at Chester Park planned to honor the Barry family
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It’s been nearly a year since the Barry family lost their lives to gun violence.
Friends continue to honor their memory, and are working on a project to improve the playground at Chester Park.
“This is an important place for us,” Halee Schlangen shared. She’s a friend from the homeschool community. “Shiway in particular, loved to swing here.”
Plans include: 1) Replacing spinner element 2) Adding a wheelchair-accessible crushed stone path from parking spaces to playground 3) Memorial bench with memorial signage 4) Removing and replacing non-functioning fall zone material 5) Replacing edging 6) Upgrading one swing to include an accessible swing
The hope is to have this installed in July.
(Barry family)
The Barry girls, Shiway and Sadie, spent a lot of time at Chester during Park Days with their homeschool community.
“They were really special folks, and generous,” shared friend Liz Salmela. “I think in a lot of ways, this project embodies who they were, as far as giving to the community, and being outside and a joyful place for families.”
Sadie’s art teacher is creating a coloring book called Sadie’s Book of Dragons, and will be available for purchase as part of the fundraising efforts.
There is a fundraiser benefit for the project coming up on Saturday, May 20th.
“It will be a pasta bar and silent auction,” Schlangen added.
It’s at the Other Place Bar and Grill, from 3-6pm. Address: 3930 E Calvary Road.
You can also donate through the GoFundMe page.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091208179180