Dreams for our community

The Crystal Lake Community came together over the tragic loss of a five-year-old boy in 2019, due to an act of abuse. He never had his chance.

 He never had his chance to fully love, or be unconditionally loved in a warm home. To play safely and joyfully with friends. To make a potentially longtime friend. To connect with a mentor. To accomplish. Compete. Wear a uniform and be part of a team. Score the winning run.

Although this young boy is now known by his community and deeply loved by all of those who cognize his tragic story, it is simply too late to show him these experiences. More than three million children are subjects of at least one child abuse case each year. Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S annually. About one in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. The year of this tragedy, more than 1,800 children died due to abuse or neglect.

Each child lost had favorites—favorite color, favorite toy, best friend or companion. This boy liked blue. He liked sports and the Cubs. And he had an infectious smile that conveyed a spirit that continues to bring people together. A community has come alive in solidarity to honor the life of this precious boy and the thousands of other at-risk children whose tragedies were never visible enough. Crystal Lake Parks Initiative Foundation was formed in 2021 specifically for the betterment of our children, and to provide each with a chance to enjoy all of the existing parks within the Village of Lakewood and Crystal Lake, and be a vital part of the new ones. The “Sheets of Woodscreek” is a project meant to give all kids a chance to play, be coached, be enlightened, and improve self-worth. Above all, to help carry the memory of this young boy in a place of joy.

Shortly after this tragedy, many people reached out to the Crystal Lake Park District in hopes a park or playground or something to remember this young boy could be part of the park community.  Out of respect for the situation, the Crystal Lake Park District felt it was important for some time to pass before committing to something to honor a young boy that has become part of the community fabric.  As time has passed, an idea was born and is described below:

 “The tragedy of losing this young boy at five years of age devastated our community.  The thought of him not being safe in his own home left us all with deep sorrow.  So many like myself were looking for a way to help one another while grieving.

 As a hockey coach that has taught thousands of children, I could not shake the thought that he never had the experience of being able to skate at the local rink or play tee ball at any of our parks.

 To honor this young boy, I began to envision a facility where our children could play, compete, have fun and most importantly, be safe.  An outdoor rink for ball and inline hockey came instantly to mind.  After all, while ice hockey is an expensive sport, playing the wonderful game of hockey outdoors is not.

 I was so excited to present the idea to the Crystal Lake Park District.  From day one they heard my passionate message, and I thank everyone involved for allowing me to be part of the process.  The facility I hoped for has come to fruition, and the City of Crystal Lake will now have this beautiful outdoor rink to always celebrate and honor the life of this young boy.  It will bring children and families together when we need this more than ever in our world today.”

-Kenny McCudden – Crystal Lake Resident and Assistant Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets