“We wanted to take Georgia’s loss and turn it into something positive to unite the community,” says Jillian Walsh, “something to celebrate play and also celebrate her life.”
That something is the planned renovation to the children’s playground at Trace Manes Park. “Our goal is a safe and inclusive park, one that is fully fenced in, with an accessible, rubberised surface and new special-needs equipment; changing the wading pool to a splash pad and adding a shaded seating area under a trellis.”
It’s a $1.2 million project and Walsh says about $300,000 has been raised so far, “through the generosity of local families and businesses.” And that’s not including funds raised at the second annual Remembering Georgia Baseball Tournament that was held on August 27. Anyone wishing to contribute can donate online at www.rememberinggeorgiawalsh.com.
A note from St. Anselm’s Principal Richard Walo: “At St. Anselm Catholic School there has always been an emphasis on the Catholic social teachings and on nurturing a strong home, school and parish connection. Parents and students attend monthly masses together and students receive their sacraments with their peers. This coming ‘Year of the Parish’ will include a number of community events focusing on the partnership between the church, home and school.”
