Raya Marrujo
Home health aide
Las Vegas, New MexicoA Lost Life Gives New Life to Park
The small park in James Marrujo's neighborhood was pretty barren, but it was a place to play and hang out as he grew up. When a tragic traffic accident took his life, the young man's family wanted to do something to memorialize him and improve their community.
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The city's Public Facilities and Parks Divisions, Cub Scouts and a local nursery worked with the family to provide swings, benches and other facilities and to plant 60 trees where James once played. They also renamed the site: James Marrujo Park.
"The trees have brought the whole neighborhood together. People spend time there, relaxing and playing and getting to know their neighbors. It's a safe haven for kids and they respect the park now.
They respect the trees, too," says James' sister, Raya Marrujo. "With the trees, it's a beautiful park. It's a place for picnics and birthday parties. My niece takes her babies there and I go nearly every day," she adds.
In this New Mexico community, trees have enhanced healthful recreation for all ages and are a source of community cooperation and pride.