WASHINGTON — A new playground is open in Alexandria, Virginia that honors and celebrates the life of a music teacher killed last year.
The Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground was dedicated on Saturday in Alexandria.
Lodato was shot and killed at her own front door in February 2014. Charles Severance has been charged with murder in the case and is awaiting trial.
“Oh it’s amazing. It’s just a wonderful way of celebrating her life, through music and the joy of a playground,” Kathy Karns, a friend of the Lodato family, said of the park.
The playground features swings and outdoor musical instruments. The ground is a soft, spongy surface.
Karns describes the playground, “It’s very peaceful and so beautiful, the colors.”
The memorial playground is located behind the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center. Besides teaching music Lodato actively supported Alexandria’s special needs community.
“She was kind and thoughtful and sweet. She was just this amazing spirit,” says Karns.
The $100,000 needed for the playground came from the private donations. CVS donates $25,000 and $75,000 came from the Kelley Cares Foundation and the Miracle League of Alexandria.
Karns says, “She will have a legacy without the playground. But the playground makes it all the more special. Ruthanne touched so many people in the Alexandria area.”
