Oxford to Name New Park After 3-Year-Old Girl Who Passed

The Oxford Board of Selectmen unanimously voted Wednesday to name the new playscape in town "Lily Park" in honor of Lily Brooks, a 3-year-old local girl who was tragically taken in an automobile collision on Sept. 11.

The following was written by First Selectman George Temple: 

"Like many Oxford residents, I was deeply saddened by the tragic death of Lily. Although I didn’t know her, I have known hundreds of kids like her. They are eternal optimists, carefree and require the warmth and familiarity of the family unit.  Our world can’t afford to lose even one beacon of hope.  We are all diminished by her loss and extend our heartfelt sympathy to her parents, family and friends.  Their loss is unimaginable.

"Naming the playscape for Lily is a small and inadequate gesture but children and parents will know her name for years to come when they go to Lily Park for a play date. Her spirit will be among friends.

"Many people have asked what they can do to express their grief at Lily’s loss.  We are collecting money for her family in Town Hall.  Any Town Hall employee will see that donated money goes to the Lily Fund." Click here to see more ways in which you can donate to the Brooks family.

How to Show Support

A great way for people to show their support is to volunteer to help construct Lily Park, Temple said. The event will take place this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22. The playscape will be located in the turnaround across from Great Oak School.

"We need your help," Temple said. "You don’t need tools or skill, just a desire to complete this project for the memory of Lily and for the enjoyment of our young children."