Union Beach, a town devastated by Hurricane Sandy, started their healing process by building a park in honor of another disaster. Jack Pinto, a six-year-old killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, is now represented throughout Union Beach by a blue-and-white playground.
On May 4th at 1 pm, the park officially opened to the public. Speeches were made by varied political offices, religious affiliations, major cogs in volunteer foundations, and even the Pinto family.
After Fireman’s Park was destroyed by Sandy, this town seemed like a perfect place for one of the 26 parks. The RAINE (Reaching All in Need Every day) Foundation, established to assist children and their families who are in crisis, teamed up with NJFMBA (New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association) to form “The Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play” Project to build parks in honor of the Newtown Victims in areas that need rebuilding due to the hurricane.
These parks are being built not only to honor those killed by the shooting, but to represent hope, renewal, and normality for all those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Union Beach was chosen, along with 26 other towns in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. This park stands tall in blue and white, representing Jack’s favorite football team – The New York Giants.
Possibly the most heart-wrenching part of the new park is a spherical wall with blue and red handprints from the children of the town. Atop sits a monument that says “we hold your hand always and your heart forever,” and Jack’s handprint.
As this small, beachside town continues to renovate, the park stands as a reminder that no matter the circumstances, we can come together and rise up. It’s a message that should be delivered worldwide, and little Jack has made that loud and clear for the residents of Union Beach.