Bullard playground dedicated to the late Kathy LaLonde
Photos courtesy of Greg Jones
ALBION – A plaque was unveiled on Monday evening dedicated the playground at Bullard Park for Katherine “Kathy” LaLonde.
She passed away at age 54 from cancer on Oct. 6, 2013. She was an active volunteer in the community and was part of the team that worked to revitalize Bullard Park.
LaLonde helped write successful grant applications for Bullard Park improvements, leading to new playground equipment, a new spray park, pavilion with bathrooms and amphitheater.
LaLonde spearheaded efforts to develop a long-term master plan for the Bullard Park. She volunteered on the village’s Recreation Committee and personally served refreshments to children at some of the local parks.
Many of Kathy LaLonde’s family members attended the playground dedication on Monday. From left in front include daughter Joyce LaLonde, husband Steve LaLonde holding Joyce’s daughter Katherine, and sister Julie Sanford. In back from left: sister-in-law Diane Church, nephew Brad Sanford, niece Molly Church, son-in-law Nate Birnbaum (Joyce’s husband), brother Sanford Church, and brother-in-law Scott Sanford.
Kathy LaLonde volunteered her time to write grants and help formulate a vision for Bullard Park. The Rebuild Bullard Committee wanted to turn the park into a bigger community asset. In the 2000s and early 2010s, Bullard had aging playground equipment and was a far cry from the center for recreation it has become.
Her efforts helped land a $499,605 state grant in 2016 for the spray park, pavilion, bathrooms and amphitheater. She worked on other grants for the playground equipment.
On Monday evening, village officials and the Greater Albion Community Recreation & Events unveiled the plaque and dedicated the playground in honor on Kathy LaLonde.
“This serves as a reminder of the unwavering strength and determination that Kathy put forth to enhance Bullard Park and of her love of the youth of this community and beyond,” the plaque states.
As a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, LaLonde was involved in many youth programs, including Pray and Play, Sunday school, mission trips, the Heifer International Ark Fundraiser, the many Christmas pageants, and TGIF.
