The Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation Department conducted a memorial tree recognition on Saturday at Harmon Park in remembrance of Lynn Blythe Aten, who passed away in December.
Joshua Aten, left, reads a poem in memory of his mother, Lynn, during a memorial tree dedication ceremony Saturday at Harmon Park while Lynn’s husband, Jeff, looks on at Harmon Park. (PHOTO | SUBMITTED)
Aten was employed by the Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation District and the Bellefontaine City Schools and is remembered as “The Park Lady” for sharing her talents and devotion to the children of the Bellefontaine area.
Parks Superintendent Kris Myers and former Parks Superintendent Biff Roberts shared their appreciation for Lynn’s years of service among family and friends who gathered to celebrate and remember her contribution to the community.
Aten’s husband, Jeff, shared a few stories of how Lynn impacted impressionable youth who visited the parks. Her son, Joshua, read two poems and thanked the community for honoring his mother through the tree memorial.
The enhancements at Harmon Park also included the dedication of a new freestanding playground swing package approved by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Members of the Bellefontaine Rotary Club also participated in the dedication of the swing in conjunction with the memorial tree recognition.
With a matching grant from Rotary District 6670, the Bellefontaine Rotary Club was able to support the purchase of a swing package, which includes a bucket seat for children under age 5 and a comfortable adult swing seat. The swing arrangement allows a parent and child, or grandparent and grandchild, to interact with each other and experience one another’s facial expressions while at play.
The set also includes a Zero-G Swing Chair for ages 5-12 which allows children who require additional support to swing alongside their friends. The Rotary Club is proud to work with the Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation Department to help create inclusive environments where everyone can join in the fun, members said in a release.
“Lynn Aten is someone who would have made a great Rotarian and has certainly exemplified ‘making a difference’ in the Bellefontaine community, ”Bellefontaine Rotary Club President Sally Stolly shared.