MCCORDSVILLE — A large swing set in nature-inspired colors. A green crocodile spring rocker. And, in green, a sign declaring the site “Matthew’s Playground.”
Every detail of the McCordsville United Methodist Church’s nearly completed playground, for which a dedication was held Thursday evening, was chosen in honor of the memory of Matthew Clegg, a former parishioner who died in 2016 of an undiscovered medical condition. Matthew’s parents, Amanda and David Clegg, along with a committee of fellow parishioners, raised nearly $30,000 to create the playground in memory of their son.
Thursday would have been Matthew’s 10th birthday.
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He died May 22, 2016, following a brief illness. He had been complaining of flu-like symptoms shortly before he was found unresponsive in his parents’ home; an autopsy found he suffered from peritonitis, a tear in his colon. His death was ruled the result of natural causes.
Seeing the project near completion stirred numerous feelings within those who mourn the loss of Matthew, said the Rev. Daniel Payton.
“With sending out letters giving businesses a heads up, we told the story of Matthew, and relived some of that grief,” he said. “That grief turned to joy, because it was amazing to see how much support for Matthew there was in the community.”
Matthew’s parents said the dedication of the playground felt bittersweet. They were happy their church family loved Matthew enough to be willing to help with the project in his memory, David Clegg said.
“I feel excited and sad and happy,” Amanda Clegg said. “It’s a little bit of every emotion.”
About 100 people attended the dedication, including current and former parishioners and family members.
They stopped by where the couple stood near the playground, complimenting the hard work and the quality of the new playground.
“It’s amazing,” said Corey Loos, a family member. “You’ve done a beautiful job.”
The project to create the playground was first started about a year after the boy’s death. Focusing on the church’s aging playground equipment, they realized there was an opportunity to honor the memory of the polite little boy who loved “Star Wars” and building with Lego bricks and who considered green his favorite color.
The initial goal was to raise $20,000 to replace the original playground, built some 20 years ago by a young man working to earn his Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts, Payton said. The group raised nearly half that again through large donations from local businesses and more than $11,000 in donations from philanthropic individuals in the community.
Daniel Clegg said the playground fund will be kept open to provide upkeep to the new facility. Those who wish to donate may send a check directly to the church with “playground fund” in the memo or make an online donation at mccordsvilleumc.org.
