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.
![](https://www.wdio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/The-Barry-Family.png)
(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