Madeleine Feng Hsu had a contagious smile. She loved nature, the beach, and playing on the playground. Tragically, the six-year-old was a victim of the Sandy Hook shooting. Last Sunday her life was celebrated on what would have been her eighth birthday, when a new playground was dedicated in her name at the United Methodist Church of Woodbury.
The little girl had visited her great grand aunt Dorothy McGough, a member of United Methodist, many times. “Maddie,” as she was affectionately called, always enjoyed playing on the playground at the church.
“Maddie would pick the flowers here, laughing and singing,” said her cousin Matt McGough. “She had a beautiful smile and made everyone smile. This was more of a birthday celebration for her.”
Maddie’s extended family, members of the church, friends, people from Newtown and those who never knew the little girl pulled together to create a playground and a garden that will delight other children. That’s how Maddie would have wanted it.
“Everything was donated,” said Matt, who had worked since last Dec. on the project. “There are new hobby horses, a cedar playhouse, a new sandbox and we fixed the fencing and added a garden. We even have a butterfly box that was donated from the Children’s Museum in Newtown.”
The project is based on the Sandy Hook promise, said Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), “which is to honor the victims and turn tragedy into a moment of transformation to bring happiness to others and other communities.”
Jacobs, who was at the ribbon cutting on Sunday, had worked hard for months on the project. Matt had contacted her from Arizona where he currently lives, to ask for her assistance. He had lived for 45 years in Woodbury.
“He wanted to know if I could assist in efforts to secure additional purple flowers and daisies, which this child adored, and anything else I could think of to help this dream bloom with live,” said Jacobs. “Every once in a while you do something in your life that is meaningful and this is it for me.”
United Methodist Pastor Rev. A. Erik Rasmussen said everyone worked very hard to complete the project.
“They even worked in the rain to make sure the garden was ready,” Rasmussen said. “It was their gift of love. This playground is a place for reflection and playing for our children and a variety of other groups.”
The response for donations was great. Dottie Simons and Carrie Leopold, co-owners of Dodds & Eder Home were one local business that offered to help.
“When Judy, who is such a great member of our community comes to you, says something is important, I knew we’d want to get involved,” said Simons, who is also the President of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce. “It was great to make a difference and create a playground where children can enjoy the space. It came out beautifully.”
All that is still needed is the funds for the rubberized safety flooring to be installed under the playground equipment. Jacobs is committed to finding the funds. “It’s not cheap but I’m not giving up,” she said.
The playground dedication followed a service at the church. Although it was an emotional day for everyone, the purple and pink balloons and the birthday cake served as a reminder of the joy that the little girl brought to so many people. “She was a great kid,” Matt said. “Maddie was a mentor for other children too. ”
Now when people stop by the playground, or take a stroll in the garden, they will see several signs, including one that says: “Peace, love and happiness to all” “Maddie’s playground.” But even if they ignore the signs, they will surely hear the laughter of all of the children, busy just being children.