Playground renovations will keep memory of Weirton teenager alive | News, Sports, Jobs

REEDITED – The Aaron Davies Memorial Playground was rededicated Saturday, with family, friends and many others on hand to maintain the playground in the Terrace Heights neighborhood of Weirton. -Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Family and friends of a Weirton teenager were joined Saturday by other community members in an effort to keep his memory alive, 19 years after his death.

Aaron Davies died in April 2005 from cancer, but in the years since, his name and life have served as an example to others. It continued Saturday with the rededication of the Aaron Davies Memorial Playground located at the intersection of Murphy Avenue and Mayfair Street.

“It’s my passion,” said Chip Davies, Aaron’s father, in explaining the efforts to freshen up the playground, as well as plans for future additions. “We want to make sure it’s a premier playground for kids.”

More than 30 area residents were expected to spend time at the playground Saturday, working in the heat and humidity to pour and lay a refreshed safety surface under existing playground equipment, paint the shelter and the fence around the basketball court, painting the boards on the basketball court. field and clean other aspects of the playing field.

Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle explained that these efforts are the type of cooperation exemplified by Weirton City's motto “Success in Unity” and what is often seen as keeping the community's parks and playgrounds available to residents.

REFRESHED – Family and friends of Aaron Davies spent time Saturday rededicating the playground that bears his name, refreshing the basketball courts, playing equipment and dugout. -Craig Howell

“That’s what we’re talking about,” Shingle said, adding that he didn’t know many people were putting in the work necessary to be able to offer such amenities.

Although beautification was the focus Saturday, Shingle said it wouldn't be the only work being done at the Aaron Davies Memorial Playground, as, thanks to a $5,000 contribution from the memorial fund established by the Davies family, there are also plans to install pickleball courts.

Chip Davies said it was another way to keep his son's memory alive. Aaron Davies would have graduated from Weir High School in 2007. While in high school, he was in the National Honor Society and Hi-Y and was a multi-sport athlete.

In addition to the memorial fund, Chip Davies said, the family hosts an annual golf tournament and, for the past 14 years, offers a scholarship.

Chip said he hopes efforts at the playground will encourage increased use by residents — especially neighborhood youth — just like Aaron did in his life.

“I don’t want him to be forgotten,” Davies said.