Playground in Oxford renamed in memory of mum after donation from family
Emily's sons, aged nine and fourteen, helped choose new equipment
An Oxford park has been transformed in memory of an “amazing” mum of two, with new equipment installed to “bring joy for many generations to come”.
On August 4 2024, Emily died suddenly at the age of 42 after suffering from a blood clot which took her loved ones “by surprise”.
On the second anniversary of her death, members of her family and community came together at the park, previously known as Friar’s Wharf Play Area, now named Emily’s Playground at Friar’s Wharf, for a ribbon-cutting and sign unveiling.
The honours were carried out by her son’s Alfie, 9-and-a-half, and Leo, 14-and-a-half, who are looking forward to using the play area with other children.
Their father Simon, 44, said he hoped the ceremony would bring “a bit of something cheerful on the sad day”.
He described Emily as having been “amazing”, saying “we all really miss her”.
Leo read a poem dedicated to his mother ahead of the ribbon cutting, describing the mixed emotions of the day.
He said: “So much is lost and so much has changed.
“A person was lost, and the playground was gained.”
Members of the family described their love for her and hopes for the future use of the park.
Attendees had traveled from far and wide, coming from Israel and Liverpool for the ceremony.
Leo said: “If she was here to see the playground open in her name, I feel like that would just be a really crazy experience.”
Simon added: “She wouldn’t want the fuss, but she’d be happy about it.”
The park was set to open on the anniversary, but the hot weather means this has been delayed as the newly installed playground surface needs to rest at a temperature below 25 degrees for two days before it is safe to use.
A member of Emily’s family had made a donation which allowed the city council to remodel the park with the new equipment.
Leo and Alife were able to have a say about what was included in the new play set and described choosing a rope pyramid climbing frame for the space – the boys reported they had come to a “joint decision” on that.
Leo said: “I really love those things.”
He explained “there was nothing around here” before, saying the family intended to make the play area “usable for all age groups” including neurodiverse children with sensory facilities.
Simon added: “As a parent, I said many benches.”
The city council had heard calls for changes at the park for years and provided additional funding for the project.
Deputy lord mayor of Oxford, Louise Upton, spoke at the ceremony and commented on the importance of play, which she has seen in her work as a neuroscientist.
She said: “It is so wonderful to see such a positive thing come out of such a sad thing.
“The demand for play in the city is really high.”
Ms Upton added: “It is such a wonderful memorial.