A seat for Sabrina was placed in Wiese Park Monday afternoon next to the tree recently planted in honor of the 16-year-old Perry girl who died in May in a shocking case of extreme child abuse.
Heather Ketelsen and Cynde Burkett, the mother-daughter team who organized the fundraising drive for the bench, joined the Perry Public Works and Perry Parks and Recreation departments, which donated the land and labor for the memorial, in Monday’s mild summer weather.
“A lot of people were criticising Perry after Sabrina’s story came out,” Ketelsen said. “People were like, ‘What is wrong with Perry? How could you let this happen?’ But we were all just as shocked as everyone else. This bench shows just how great this town is when it comes to sharing the hard times and pulling together as a community.”
Ketelson said more than 250 people made donations toward the bench, which cost $1,200. The black, powder-coated, 8-foot bench was made by Petersen Manufacturing in Denison, she said.
Crown Trophy in Grimes is expected soon to deliver a plaque to attach to the bench, according to Becky Halling, Perry Parks and Recreation Department assistant director.
The Perry Public Works Department donated the concrete pad for the bench. Jack Butler, Perry Public Works Department director, and Kevin Kanealy, Perry Parks director, led the job of placing the bench, with assistance from Bryce Bucklew and Sean Riley of the Parks crew.
The tree for Sabrina was planted June 17 in Wiese Park by a group of mourners led by Amanda Howard, Brian West and Heather Watson, with support from friends and neighbors.
The royal raindrop crabapple tree was planted in the eastern portion of the park. The bench is nearby, giving a clear view of the playground equipment and the playing children.
This looks very nice in this young person’s memory.