More than play: playground supports memory. (National Playground Safety Institute).

A playground project at Holy Rosary School in Port Chester, N.Y., has united a playground company, a school and the family and friends of Tim Reilly, a victim of the Sept. 11 tragedies. "We want those children to smile all the time they're on the playground and to know Tim is watching," says Tim's sister, Kathleen Reilly, about the children of Holy Rosary and her brother.

Tim's and Kathleen's mother teaches at Holy Rosary. Therefore, a playground installation at the school, which has been such a huge part of the Reilly family's life, became an obvious selection. A GameTime[R] play system was installed this summer, and a dedication ceremony was held on Sept. 4. This is another example of how playgrounds and parks transcend their meaning in a community.

"We just wanted to give something back to the school which has given so much to our mom and all of us," says Kathleen. "It was the first thing that came to our minds when considering options in celebration of Tim's life." The family has also funded scholarships for children at the school with its money and donations provided by strangers following Tim's death. The entire population of the school consists of immigrant students, and the school has never gained the financial ability to install a playground. A Web site, www.timreilly.com, commemorates Tim's life.

National Playground Safety Institute sessions at the NRPA Congress in Tampa will include, "Playground Design: Thinking Outside the Box."