Link to original article http://polkcountynewspaper.com/new2/newsDetail.php?Lindsay-Larson-Playground-Dedication-at-Cross-County-63
Posted on Wed, Oct 7th, 2015 8:56 am
by ERIN DICKEY
On Tuesday evening fans, spectators, families and friends came together before the start of the Polk County Slammers verse the Grand Island Central Catholic softball game to honor a life that was taken too quickly. Lindsay Larson died on Saturday, July 12, 2014 but her memory lives on through her family, friends, community and school. In memory of their daughter, Scott and Terri Larson, chose to have a playground built to be enjoyed by all children in the years to come.
Lindsay was a 2012 graduate from Cross County High School. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Community College in Columbus and was planning to attend Concordia College in Seward to complete her degree in education and athletic training; as well as playing for the softball team.
At Cross County, Lindsay participated in softball, basketball and track. She was the only girl in her class to earn the 3×4 letter award; she was a state qualifier all four years in the 100 meter, 200 meter and long jump and earned six state medals. In high school softball, Lindsay set many school softball records and broke the Class C records for home runs and batting average. Lindsay played the trumpet in the high school band and was an honor student all four yours of high school.
The playground dedication brought both teams together. Each grabbing a balloon, the players from both PCS and GICC circled around center field, the position Lindsay played. Lindsay’s family gathered on the mound. Laureen Powell, Lindsay’s high school softball coach spoke of Lindsay and of the new playground. “I can’t imagine a more perfect memorial to Lindsay Larson. Every single time that I’ve seen this playground, whether it was a picture or in person, it’s brought a smile to my face. That’s what Lindsay did for so many of us while she was here and now can continue to do so through this playground. Lindsay loved to play and play hard, loved to have fun and was always a kid at heart. This location makes it even more perfect with the softball field in the background. I know she’s smiling with us now.”
After a moment of silence the balloons were released and the sky filled with colors of yellows, pinks, oranges and greens.
The playground in colors of teal and purple, Lindsay’s favorites, sits in between the softball and football fields at Cross County High School. Hearing of the purpose for the playground, contractors helped with making this memorial possible. Wade Taylor of Ecoturf Surfacing of Kansas City, KS donated the rubber surface and Bodie Dostal of Dostals Construction of Gretna, NE donated the concrete for the playground.