In 2014, everyone in Carlsbad joined in grieving when Madison Lee Aves, 14-months old, passed away on June 19 after a tragic accident. Madison’s loved ones are now working to make the world a better place in her memory.
At 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, the Madison Lee Memorial Fund will hold a groundbreaking for a new park that is being constructed in her memory. This will also kick off the charitable effort’s Christmas Store season. Everything will take place at the Oasis Model Homes, 3816 Pat Garrett Road (at the end of Pima). The Madison Lee Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization. Additional information is available at https://madisonleememorial.com/ and you can see drawings of the park on the charity’s Facebook page.
According to the web page, the idea for the park was created when Walterscheid Trucking and Farms wanted to subdivide and create the Oasis subdivision. Dave Church, an engineer for the subdivision, suggested that a parcel of the land where houses couldn’t be built be turned into a park. That’s when Sheila Walterscheid, Madison’s grandmother, began to develop a vision for a park “a vision to create a place where children could chase butterflies and families could come together and make lasting memories.”
Phase one of the park will include walking trails benches, playground equipment and a large grass field. Phase two will include a splash pad, while Phase three will include a basketball court, pickleball court and workout equipment. This is a beautiful way to honor Madison and we’re honored to be participating in Thursday’s groundbreaking.
The Christmas store will offer décor, a pet corner, a man cave, bunco gifts and more. It will be open every day through December 24. All proceeds benefit the Madison Lee Memorial Fund. Thank you to Ken Thurston for his support for this effort and for allowing KT Homes to transfer a model home into the Christmas store.
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The 4th annual Fishing Derby, which serves as a benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad, will be held Nov. 12-13 this year. Cost is a $10 donation, though kids 12 and under are free. Kids participating will also receive a donated dirt bike. There will be a large amount of cash prizes this year, including $1,000 for the biggest bass by weight and $1,000 cash for tagged fish. Thanks to JR Doporto for his role in organizing this event every year. For more information, please contact JR at (575) 361-9580.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway