Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish and School Announce Playground Opening and Dedication

The Elin Cooke Playground

The SRW community and its friends have teamed together to raise enough money ($140,000) to help build a playground at Ss. Robert and William Catholic Parish.  The project was made possible by funds donated from the SRW Endowment, students (through a Walk-a-thon and a Read-a-thon), Jane Monreal, The Cooke Family, Elin Cooke Family and Friends, The Michael Talty and Helen Talty Charitable Trust, and several anonymous donors. 

The effort is centered on the story of Elin Cooke.  Elin was an extraordinary woman with much love for the parish, school, the city of Euclid and most importantly children.  She was one of the first supporters of the playground project when it was announced last spring.  In August, 2014, Elin lost her battle with cancer.  “Since the parish and school community will be forever blessed by her presence, and with full support of her family, it seemed only fitting that the playground be named in her honor.  The bright red and green playground is a tribute to her memory,” states Fr. John D. Betters, Pastor.

The playground will feature 23 activities and a special rubber surface for enhanced safety and enjoyment, and will improve recess for the school students, as currently the schoolyard only has blacktop surface to play on.  It will accommodate over 50 children and will provide physical activity for the children.  Additionally, it will enhance the recreation area in the community, as the play area will be open to the hundreds of children who live in the neighborhood. 

The playground dedication and opening will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.  Fr. John Betters, Fr. Sal Ruggeri, Mayor Cervenik, Council President, Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, and the Cooke Family will be present.  The public is invited to attend.  Ss. Robert and William Parish is located at 367 East 260th St., Euclid.  Please call 216.731.1515 for additional information.