Ribbon Cutting To Open Wesley's Playground In Wrightstown

WRIGHTSTOWN, PA — A five-year-old boy, who lost his battle with childhood cancer a little over a year ago, will be remembered on Saturday with the sights and sounds of children at play.

Wesley's Playground, being built this week at the Middletown Grange Fairgrounds on Penns Park Road, will be dedicated on Saturday, Sept. 28 in memory of Wesley Roche, the son of Nicole and Alex Roche of Richboro.

"Come honor the life of Wesley by being the first to play on his new playground," said family and friends of Wesley, who encourage every child in the community to come out on Saturday to help christen the new play area with their laughter and smiles.

The playground is being built this week by teams of volunteers from the New Jersey-based nonprofit, "Where Angels Play Foundation," whose mission is "to create joyful places to play" that "provide hope, recovery, and a return to family values in the wake of senseless violence and tragedy."

The Where Angels Play Foundation was founded in 2012 by the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association to build 26 playgrounds in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy - one to honor each student and teacher who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. The foundation has since expanded its reach to other families across the country impacted by personal tragedy.

The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with a one-mile fun run in support of the 292 days Wesley battled childhood cancer. Games, crafts and face painting will also be available. At 11 a.m., family and friends will share remarks followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the new play area.

The new playground reflects the personality of young Wesley, including several pieces of play equipment representing his special affinity for firefighters.

"This will be a beautiful tribute to Wes, but also a very valuable contribution to our community," said the family. "The playground will be open to the public year-round, offering children a place to play while siblings play baseball on the nearby fields, and a fun place to visit while attending the Grange Fair. We are so happy that Wesley will remain with us in memory in such a positive and lasting way, and are immensely grateful to all the people who have made this possible."

A fire truck is among the pieces featured in the new play area. (Contributed)

Wesley's family - Nicole, Alex, Lucy, and Aidan Roche of Richboro. (Contributed)