Nonprofit Joey’s Little Angels to donate memorial playground at Apollo Park; ordinance introduced to accept gift

A nonprofit that builds memorial playgrounds asked Hamilton Township Council on the record Monday to accept and host a new play space at Apollo Park.

James Angelino, a volunteer with Joey’s Little Angels and Where Angels Play, told the council the group donates materials and labor to build playgrounds honoring local families and local ‘‘heroes.’’ He said Ferris Square, slated for construction this September at Apollo Park, would be fully funded and erected at no cost to township taxpayers.

Ariel Houston, who identified herself as a former Hamilton resident and current local worker, urged the council to approve the project as a place of remembrance for families who experienced pregnancy loss. ‘‘I desperately wanted a place that I could visit with my son,’’ Houston said, describing why a memorial play space targeted at children ages 0–5 matters to grieving parents.

Council members briefly discussed the ordinance that would accept the donation, Ordinance 24-029 (first reading), and thanked the presenters. The president called for the statutory introduction of the ordinance and confirmed procedural motions to place it on the agenda for a future vote.

The council did not take the final adoption vote on 24-029 at this meeting; the ordinance was introduced on first reading and will return for subsequent reading(s) in accordance with local publication and hearing requirements.

Next steps: the ordinance was introduced; the township will schedule the required public hearing and second reading before final acceptance and execution of the donation agreement.