The ‘Chris Matlosz Playground’ being donated in memory of slain Police Officer Chris Matlosz, will be built at the John Patrick Sports Complex, TLS has learned. The location of the playground, donated by Marturano Recreation and Rubberecycle, two local companies, was decided on by Lakewood Police, the Department of Public Works and by the companies donating the playground, Township Committeeman Ray Coles tells TLS.
Coles says the Township was unable to add a children’s playground at the park when the park was built, due to a lack a funds, and welcomes the decision of placing the playground there.
The playground will be placed between the soccer field and the baseball field, Coles said.
The park is located on Vine Street.
“I’m thankful that children can benefit from this, especially in the Township of Lakewood”, Chris’s Fiancee, Kelly Walsifer says.
The idea of building a playground in Chris’s memory was very touching to Walsifer and Chris’s family.
“A playground donated in Chris’ name means more to me than words can say”, Chris’s Fiancee, Walsifer said when the dedication was first reported. “No amount of money, monuments or kind gestures and donations can bring Chris back, but keeping his name alive is what I want to do for as long as I live”.
The playground structure will be donated by the Marturano Recreation company, which is a local representative for the Game Time company, and Rubberecycle will be donating the flooring for the playground, using their newest Rubber Bond product. The playground will be installed by Whirl Construction of Fort Monmouth.
In 2009, Rubberecycle was chosen as the company to install the Rubber Mulch at the White House’s first playground, as reported on TLS. (See photos here).
Construction for the playground is expected to begin in the coming weeks. TLS
Beautiful article. Thank you again!!
Good to see “positive” news about something taking place in Lakewood ,we all to often see all the negative stuff
This is a wonderful thing! We will never forget Patrolman Matlosz and could never forget you Kelly you are one in a million. Think about your fiance everyday as I proudly display his emblem on the back of my car. God Bless you Kelly Walsifer and I hope this finds you healing as much as you possibly can.
will this be open to the public at all times? as now, if you are caught on the grass, the patrol guy chases you away?
we thought we will be getting it in raintree!
Finally something for everyone and why would it be put in raintree that park is beautiful
Thank you for your generosity and kindness Marturano and Rubbercycle. A wonderful way to honor and remember Chris.
Nice gesture but what about other officers killed while on duty?