Playground Celebrating the Life of Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski
The Chase Kowalski Playground in Normandy Beach, New Jersey was opened on August 21st, 2013. Chase was a first grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He competed in children’s triathlons so his playground includes fun fitness stations. Chase’s playground was the eighth playground built in honor of his baseball number, number 8.
The inspiration behind the playground's design came from Chase’s love for Seaside Heights, NJ. Chase Kowalski loved life. He loved going on all rides that went fast and had lights on them when he visited the Seaside Heights boardwalk during summer vacations with his family to the home of his grand-uncle and aunt, Michael and Mary Lou Cunningham in Normandy Beach.
But both are gone. The 7-year-old first-grader lost his life during the massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012 and super storm Sandy caused destruction up and down the Jersey Shore, wiping out the boardwalk in Seaside Heights and the bay front playground in Normandy Beach, on October 29th.
Chase's Sandy Ground Project: Where Angels Play playground is a symbol of hope for the Sandy-stricken community and a way to honor a beautiful life.
