Friends and relatives of the two children who died with their father in the anhydrous ammonia leak near Teutopolis are raising money to build the Walker and Rosie Bryan Memorial Fun Park at Beecher City Community Park.
Rosie and Bryan died from exposure to the toxic chemical when a tanker carrying it overturned on Sept. 29, 2023 near the home of their father, Kenneth Bryan, who also perished. Two other people also died.
Rosie was 7 and Walker was 10. Their mother, Macy Reed, said a memorial park in Beecher City, where they lived, is a fitting tribute. Rosie attended first grade and Walker fifth at Beecher City Grade School.
“They were so joyful,” said Reed. “They were such, such, such joyful kids that I think that I’d like their legacy to be of bringing joy to other families and even just a simple time together at a park.”
Becky Doty, 62, and her daughter, Ashtyn Mellendorf, 37, were cousins of Rosie and Walker.
With Reed’s support, the memorial they are planning will include two pump tracks – paved paths that all ages can enjoy riding their bicycles on a series of rolling humps and turns. Family members, friends, community members, and mothers of kids who were friends of Rosie and Walker are all helping raise the initial $200,000 for the project by hosting a fundraiser, applying for grants and asking for donations.
Mellendorf said the pump tracks will be fun.
“What’s really neat about it is just having the kids learn how to ride it correctly and get the exercise and have fun,” said Mellendorf.
Doty likes the idea of providing a controlled environment for riding bikes, rather than in the street.
Reed, Doty and Mellendorf all mentioned how much Walker and Rosie loved being involved in Beecher City events and riding their bikes whenever they could.
“They were always with the neighbor boys,” said Reed. “They would make their own ramps out of ditches, and they would have loved this. It’s a way to get the kids more outside, off the games, off the TV, and to go spend time with your friends.”
There will also be a toddler track, smaller and handicap accessible – the humps will be softer and the track will be wide enough for a wheelchair.
After raising the initial $200,000 for the pump tracks, they’re planning on raising more money to include things like upgraded park equipment, more shade areas and a walking path.
The committee is working with the Village of Beecher City to apply for grants. One they’re looking at will announce the recipients in the fall. Meanwhile, the committee will hold an online auction in mid-March to help raise funds.
In the first week of January, the organizers sent out letters to multiple organizations and businesses in the surrounding areas for their upcoming fundraiser: a benefit on Saturday, March 29 at the Teutopolis KC Hall from 4 p.m. to midnight. It is free to attend, but donations are welcome, and it will include a meal, an auction and a performance by the Bryor Rhodes Band.
For updates, visit the Walker and Rosie Memorial Fun Park Facebook page, which describes the children this way:
“Walker was a 10-year-old boy full of life. He loved riding his bike, playing Pokémon, and helping with community events. Rosie was an energetic, larger-than-life 7-year-old. She was the life of the party, who loved art, dancing, cooking with her mom, and making others laugh. They both liked spending time with their family and friends and were adored by their family and loved by all who knew them.
“Walker and Rosie lived in Beecher City with their mom, Macy, and one of the things they enjoyed doing was spending time and helping with events at the Beecher City Community Park. The Walker and Rosie Memorial Fun Park will be an addition to the Beecher City Community Park. It will be a place not only for those that live in Beecher City, but also for those that live outside the community to visit and have fun with their friends and family.”
To donate money or auction items, contact the committee at walkerandrosiemfp@gmail.com