New Jersey

April 28, 2017: We celebrated the life of Lucas DiGuilio with a playground in his honor at the Garden Friends Learning Center 3018 Bordertown Avenue Parlin, NJ 08859. The ribbon cutting took place on April 30th. For more about Lucas and his journey visit www.lyricsforlucas.org

September 2016: Hannah Duffy lost her battle with brain cancer in September 2013 at the age of 14.  Hannah’s spirit gave a gift of a playground to Tinton Falls that is inclusive to children with Autism and other special needs.  This playground was constructed by local volunteers, and is located at Liberty Park on West Park Avenue in Tinton Falls.

Officer Jay Marles:  On August 1, 2015 the Office Jay Marles playground was opened.  This playground was built in honor of Jay Marles, an Ocean Gate police officer who was killed by a drunk driver in 2010.  The playground is “Jay’s Gift to Ocean Gate” and is located at the corner of Wildwood and East Long Branch avenues.

First Responder Playground: This playground was built in honor of first responders and was opened on May 12, 2015 at Veterans Memorial Park.  The playground includes slides, ladders and climbing walls in red, yellow and blue – it also features toy replicas of police cars and fire trucks.  With a view of the New York city skyline, a replica of a fire truck is angled toward the Freedom Tower in honor of the work of local first responders after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

Avielle Richman: On November 1^st, 2013 the Avielle Richman Playground was opened in Belmar, New Jersey in honor of the 6 year old from Sandy Hook, CT.  The playground includes some of her favorite things, a piano, fireflies and her artwork.

Daniel Barden: The Daniel Barden Playground ribbon cutting took place on October 27^th, 2013 in Highlands, New Jersey.  The playground was built in honor of Daniel Barden, a student at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The blue playground is adorned with drawings and messages from Daniel.  Daniel wanted to be a firefighter, which is why a firefighter spring toy is featured at the park.

Chase Kowalski: The Chase Kowalski Playground in Normandy Beach, New Jersey was opened on August 21^st, 2013.  Chase was a first grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  Chase competed in children’s triathlons so his playground includes fun fitness stations.  Chase’s playground was the eighth playground built in honor of his baseball number, number 8.

Olivia Engel: On August 2^nd, 2013 the ribbon cutting for the Olivia Engel playground took place in Manasquan, New Jersey.  Olivia was a six year old student at Sandy Hook Elementary.  Olivia loved spending days at the beach, which is why this beachside location was chosen for her playground.  The playground also showcases her love for butterflies.

Rachel D’Avino: The ribbon cutting for the Rachel D’Avino Playground took place on August 24^th, 2013 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Rachel was a teacher at Sandy Hook. The playground incorporates her love for dragonflies and her passion for working with special needs children.

Jack Pinto: On May 4^th, 2013 the Jack Pinto playground was opened in Union Beach, New Jersey. Jack Pinto was a six year old boy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Jack’s love for the New York Giant’s inspired the blue and red playground. The playground also includes his handprint engraved in granite, along with all other handprints of the children of Union Beach.

Mya Lin Terry’s Playground: Mya Lin Terry was a 10 year old 5th grader when she passed away after a 5 and a half year battle with cancer. Mya is a published author and enjoyed being part of the Girl Scout Troup 100, Swimming, Playing Soccer, all things technical like her Iphone, Ipad and Movie Creating, Crafting, Cooking, Gardening and Riding Her Bike. Her playground is located in her hometown of Ocean Township.