PARKLAND, Fla. — A new place for students and the community to remember those who died is growing along the outside corner of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
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Following last year’s shooting, a memorial formed at Pine Trails Park, and another one right in front of the school. They were packed up for preservation, but students still wanted somewhere to go to feel close to the friends they lost on Feb. 14. That is why they made a memorial themselves.
A community garden called "Project Grow Love" was formed in the last couple of months on the outside corner of the school at Pine Island and Holmberg roads.
The idea came from Joaquin Oliver’s girlfriend, who continues to mourn her boyfriend's death.
Students and the community became involved and now "Project Grow Love" includes a newly-painted school sign, a wide variety of colorful flowers and butterflies. The garden also has the victims' names, painted rocks and 17 glowing angels.
It is giving anyone who wants to take a moment, to reflect and remember.
“A lot of my friends and I miss having a place we can go to feel connected to the people that we lost, so I feel like this is a good place to do that,” said Stoneman Douglas student Maddie Zeltwanger.
Members of the public who want to contribute to the garden are asked to keep it to planted flowers, stones or other objects you would typically find in an outdoor garden -- rather than temporary memorial items like bouquets or teddy bears.
