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The demolition crew arrived this morning to tear down that house so we can finally start building the memorial playground AJ deserves. I am overwhelmed by the kindness of the 2,658 people who stood with me to turn a place of darkness into a space for laughter and play. We …

May 27, 2019

AJ’s memorial playground

AJ’s memorial playground

🏆 Won — 2,657 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Angel
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Merri C.
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April P.
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Terry V.
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Anna T.
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Dan C.
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Sam M.
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Cynthia M.
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Rachel D.
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Roger S.
+2,647 more
MS
Started by Matt Strobot 7 years, 4 months ago
This petition is for the demolishing of the home that the terrible parents of AJ took his life. As members of the community and that grew up in the community, none of us want to see this house or have a terrible reminder of the things that took place here. AJ deserves something better than this. This boy had more bad things happen to him in 5 years than most of us deal with in the years we have been alive. Let’s get rid of the bad memories and build a park in his name so that he and all the other children have a safe place to play. And so that we have a good reminder of AJ and not the house where he was murdered!

Updates

May 4, 2019

Seeing 2,500 people agree that this site deserves better than darkness is overwhelming. For those of us who carry the weight of what happened to AJ, this support reminds me that we are finally ready to turn that space into something bright.

Reached 2,500 supporters

May 2, 2019

April 29, 2019

Walking past that house is still a nightmare for those of us who knew AJ. We are working behind the scenes to ensure the city council understands that this neighborhood cannot heal while that building remains standing.

Reached 1,000 supporters

April 26, 2019

Reached 100 supporters

April 26, 2019

541 Comments

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Chris Lehman
7 years ago Featured

This is an amazing idea! I own a youth sports company called 5 Star Sports, we coach all over Lake, McHenry and Cook counties. We would love to help spread the word on this and help in any way needed. We would even help build the park with you. Please let me know how we could help. Prayers to AJ!

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Kim Sade
7 years ago Featured

I hope the city of CL will support this, and build a park in AJ's memory. I think he would LOVE to see kids laughing and playing in the same spot where he didn't get that opportunity. It would be a special blessing for that little angel.

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Colleen Prince
7 years ago Featured

I was "AJ" but got adopted into a good loving family. I went past the house were my parents abused me once. Hated it. Swore to never go back. Googled the house a few weeks back.....it was torn down....as it should have been

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Jean Sabel
7 years ago Featured

CL resident for 50+ years. My bff's former home is 2 blocks from this house. The city parade comes down Dole Ave. PLEASE destroy this house so we don't have to look at it anymore & honor sweet, little AJ with a beautiful park in his memory.

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Anonymous
7 years ago Featured

You were reading my mind. I’m also wondering if it shouldn’t be taken a step further as a community or outreach center as a safe place for families to address their struggles in hopes of connecting with resources they need.

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Ryan Marie Marzano
7 years ago Featured

We need this playground in remembrance of A.J. We all failed him as community and maybe this playground in his memory can be a reminder of what we can do to help other children in need.

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Angel
4 years ago

From the boy that never had a change to the children that will.

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Terry Voelker
7 years ago

I think a lot of us had the same idea and I'm glad someone is taking action!