The Champaign Park District and the Champaign-Urbana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Guns Sense are partnering to create a memorial garden honoring local gun violence victims and survivors.
The idea came about during planning for the annual Wear Orange event, held this year in Douglass Park, and planting began this month thanks to donations from Prairie Gardens and Lowe’s.
From CU MDA member Lauren Quinn, who is helping spearhead the effort, “Although nothing can take away the pain of a loved one stolen by gun violence, we hope this memorial garden can serve as a beautiful symbol to local survivors that their loved ones are remembered, and that their lives mattered.”
The garden will eventually include a boulder with a memorial plaque. For those interested in donating to the project, follow this link and select Douglass Flower Bed under “gift designation.”
Photo provided by Lauren Quinn