Wall Township To Dedicate ‘Peace Park’ In Memory Of Beloved Resident

WALL, NJ — On Wednesday, Wall Township will honor the life and legacy of a beloved resident by renaming the donated gazebo at Orchard Park to “Peace Park” in her memory.

Set to begin at 5 p.m., the town will host a dedication ceremony in Jillian Ludwig’s honor at Orchard Park, where a commemorative plaque (provided by the township) was permanently installed at the newly named “Peace Park” gazebo.

The meaningful tribute was established to remember Jillian’s vibrant spirit and unwavering belief in peace, nature, and harmony following her passing, township officials said.

In 2023, Jillian was out for an afternoon jog in a community park near her college campus in Nashville, TN, when she was struck by a stray bullet and passed away shortly after, the Rae of Light Foundation, which was started in Jillian's memory, said.

According to the foundation, Jillian, who was only 18 years old at the time of her passing, had a strong passion for music and learned to play various instruments ranging from saxophone to guitar, oboe and bass.

At 17 years old, she even started her own project called "Playing It Forward," where she would perform at local establishments to raise funds to donate back to those in need within the musical community she loved, the foundation said.

Though her life was cut short, township officials said Jillian's impact continues to deeply resonate within the Wall Township community and beyond.

“The dedication of Peace Park in Jillian’s honor will stand as a symbol of love, peace, and hope,” Committeewoman Erin Mangan said. “It will be a place of reflection, healing, and connection in our community.”

The township extended its thanks to William Connellan, By Design Landscaping and Phoenix Manufacturing Inc. for their contributions in making the dedication possible.

The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony and join the community in “reflecting on a life that continues to inspire and bring light into the world.”

“I am thankful for this community to come together and support a family in need,” Committeeman Kevin Orender said.

The dedication ceremony will take place at Orchard Park at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

After the ceremony takes place, the Rae of Light Foundation will also host a benefit concert celebrating Jillian's life and legacy on Sunday, which will feature live music performances in "remembrance of Jillian's life and the lasting impact she continues to make on those around her."

To learn more about the dedication, you can visit the Wall Township website or Facebook page.

To learn more about the Rae of Light Foundation, you can visit their website.

Related

• NJ College Student, Wall HS Grad, Dies After Being Shot In Nashville
• Parents Of Slain NJ Teen Speak Out: 'A Piece Of My Heart Was Taken'