Post by CCADP on Aug 13, 2005 21:05:44 GMT -5
Playground Dedicated To Memory Of Slain Girl
Aug 13, 2005, 06:36 PM
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Playground Dedicated To Memory Of Slain Girl
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(CROTHERSVILLE, Ind.) -- A vision to honor the memory of a little girl is now reality. Saturday, the community of Crothersville officially opened a playground dedicated to Katie Collman who was murdered in January. As WAVE 3's Frances Kuo reports, the celebration came on what would have been her 11th birthday.
Some flew the distance for a celebration they couldn't miss. It was a special 11th birthday party, but one without the guest of honor.
Before Katie Collman was killed, her childhood was often spent on the school playground.
"She liked the swings, but they didn't have swings," said Kendyl Lewis, Katie's friend.
More than a week ago, dozens of volunteers started from scratch to build a playground -- a playground Katie would have dreamed about.
"If she was here, she'd probably thank all of us, and be here every day and play on it," said Daniel Phillips, another of Katie's friends.
"What better way to memorialize a child than with something for the rest of the children," said Katie's father John Neace.
But Neace never imagined the playground would turn out like it did.
"I figured we'd put up some swings and slides. I never dreamed of anything like this. This is far beyond what I even expected," Neace said.
Though Katie isn't here to celebrate her 11th birthday, she got the best gift of all.
"We try to make something wonderful out of it. I'd trade all the playgrounds in the world for her back. What can I say?" said Neace.
A lasting memorial to Katie is "Katie's room." It stands near the entrance to the playground. When children walk inside, they'll see a drawing of Katie as an angel and a poem dedicated to her honor.
Anthony Stockleman has been arrested and charged with molesting and murdering Katie. He is scheduled to go on trial in February. Prosecutors say they intend to seek the death penalty against Stockleman.
Aug 13, 2005, 06:36 PM
Email to a Friend Printer Friendly Version
Latest WAVE Headlines
Playground Dedicated To Memory Of Slain Girl
Lexington Marine Laid To Rest, Remembered As A Hero
Soldier's Mother Says Son Facing Attempted Murder Charge In Iraq
TV Station Facing Fines For Refusing To Turn Over Tapes
Fletcher Subpoenaed To Appear Before Grand Jury
Daniels Defends Use Of Governor's Residence By Planned Parenthood
(CROTHERSVILLE, Ind.) -- A vision to honor the memory of a little girl is now reality. Saturday, the community of Crothersville officially opened a playground dedicated to Katie Collman who was murdered in January. As WAVE 3's Frances Kuo reports, the celebration came on what would have been her 11th birthday.
Some flew the distance for a celebration they couldn't miss. It was a special 11th birthday party, but one without the guest of honor.
Before Katie Collman was killed, her childhood was often spent on the school playground.
"She liked the swings, but they didn't have swings," said Kendyl Lewis, Katie's friend.
More than a week ago, dozens of volunteers started from scratch to build a playground -- a playground Katie would have dreamed about.
"If she was here, she'd probably thank all of us, and be here every day and play on it," said Daniel Phillips, another of Katie's friends.
"What better way to memorialize a child than with something for the rest of the children," said Katie's father John Neace.
But Neace never imagined the playground would turn out like it did.
"I figured we'd put up some swings and slides. I never dreamed of anything like this. This is far beyond what I even expected," Neace said.
Though Katie isn't here to celebrate her 11th birthday, she got the best gift of all.
"We try to make something wonderful out of it. I'd trade all the playgrounds in the world for her back. What can I say?" said Neace.
A lasting memorial to Katie is "Katie's room." It stands near the entrance to the playground. When children walk inside, they'll see a drawing of Katie as an angel and a poem dedicated to her honor.
Anthony Stockleman has been arrested and charged with molesting and murdering Katie. He is scheduled to go on trial in February. Prosecutors say they intend to seek the death penalty against Stockleman.