Hannah’s Memorial Playground dedication honors life of young girl taken too soon

INDIANAPOLIS — Saturday marked the official dedication of Hannah’s Memorial Playground.

The brand new leisure space on the George W. Julian faculty 57 is in honor of Hannah Crutchfield — a younger woman taken from this east aspect group means too quickly.

8-year-old Samantha is remembering her greatest buddy Hannah.

“She all the time had a vivid character and when [we were] in a nasty temper she would simply put a smile on our face. She made everyone really feel blissful inside, even once they felt actually down,” Samantha stated.

First-grader Hannah died in September 2021.

Whereas she was strolling residence from faculty, a driver hit Hannah with their automobile in a crosswalk.

Saturday, her spirit is alive within the Irvington group.

“That’s one thing that all of us keep in mind her by is taking part in after faculty on the playground together with her earlier than she even attended faculty right here. When she would come and play together with her older sister after faculty with us. We felt prefer it was a very good illustration,” Co-chair Hillary Brown stated.

Organizers say this may not have been doable with out the help of the whole neighborhood of Irvington, greater than 750 particular person donors and lots of extra.

The playground committee partnered with the IPS Basis and the varsity’s PTSA to assist elevate greater than $200,000 for the mission.

“A spot of group and a spot the place you possibly can come collectively. She favored to play together with her mates. She favored to steer her mates in video games and so creating an area that permits that to occur with different college students is what I hope the legacy is,” Co-chair Michelle Nice stated.

When requested what Hannah would say if she have been in a position to see the playground right now, Samantha says…

“She would’ve liked it.”

Organizers say their hope is to create a welcoming area for all native households, whether or not their kids attend George Julian or not.