Memorial Playground at Laidlaw Park to Honor Western Springs Toddler Patrick R. McNaughton
On April 28, 2016, the life of a Western Springs family was changed forever when their 2-year-old son Patrick unexpectedly passed away. Now, almost one year later, a devastating event that rocked the local community is bringing family, friends and local businesses together to honor his memory.
Patrick R. McNaughton: March 27, 2014 - April 28, 2016 Photo Credit Classic Kids
The Western Springs Friends of the Parks Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, is raising funds to build the Patrick R. McNaughton Memorial Playground, a structure that will stand honorably in Laidlaw Park, adjacent to the John Laidlaw Elementary School in Western Springs.
“Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy that no parent should have to experience,” says Nathan Gray, board member of the Friends of the Parks Foundation. “We wanted to transform the park into a place where Patrick’s life could be celebrated with love and laughter.”
To kick off the playground development, the foundation is accepting donations in Patrick’s name, with the target fundraising goal of $150,000. All moneys received will go directly to the building and maintenance of the playground. Once the fundraising goal is met and the project completed, children from all over the area, as well as the elementary school children, will be able to enjoy its state-of-the-art features.
“The children of Western Springs and our students will use the equipment every day and remember Patrick, which is a tremendous honor for our school,” says Erin DeBartolo, principal of John Laidlaw Elementary School. “We love that this entire project was planned in collaboration with the community.”
Students from the elementary school were asked to give feedback on initial plans and made a suggestion of their own: to make the equipment green because it was Patrick’s favorite color.
Construction of the park is scheduled to begin in June, once school is out for the summer. As of now, the plans include state of the art equipment, including a green choo-choo train. There are two separate play areas, a zipline, tire swing and a special commemorative pavilion, which will include a plaque dedicating the playground to Patrick.
"We always knew we lived in an amazing community, but after learning of the plans to dedicate a playground in Patrick's memory, we were deeply touched and feel honored to call the western suburbs home." say Patrick’s parents, Ryan and Sheila McNaughton. "Patrick's two short years on earth knew nothing other than love and play. We couldn't think of a better place to grow his memory than at the park he cherished."
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made through Facebook or on the organization’s website. Fundraising for the project will begin on March 1, 2017. All contributions are welcomed and appreciated, and donors who meet the suggested donation amount of $500 will have their names featured on the memorial plaque.
About Western Springs Friends of the Parks Foundation: The Western Springs chapter of Friends of the Parks is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the use of parks and open space. The foundation has been working closely with community members to leverage existing plans to reconstruct the park in order to create a fitting memorial for Patrick R. McNaughton. It is also facilitating donation logistics to ensure that 100% of proceeds goes to the park. Please visit www.wsfriendsoftheparks.com for more information or to make a contribution.