On December 30. 1987, John and Linda Carson experienced the worst kind of shock that a couple can have … the tragic death of a beloved child. John’s (“Johnny C8087 – 501.177730 , OnlinenevadaShops – Diadora Magic Basket Low Icona 'White Malibu Blue' – diadora n9000 h mip x leo colacicco’s”) unexpected death at age 17 while on a practice run with his Chelmsford High School track team took everyone’s
breath away. A wonderful teenager, John had already accomplished so much and was so full of promise. Our church family grieved with the Carsons, and it was the outpouring of loving concern and support that helped them with their heavy grief. David Beaton, John’s best friend, a fellow runner, member of CCC, and a member of the CCC-sponsored Boy Scout troop approached the Carsons about building a memorial park in John’s memory on church land as an Eagle Scout project.

This land had been donated by a neighbor, Ms. Elva Russell, but the church hadn’t done anything with it for over 12 years. It was a virtual jungle of about 1/3-acre Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid Khaki , DysongroupShops° , Official Images // Air Jordan Jordan 10 Retro PS 'Powder Blue' "Valentine's Day" in size….so overgrown with weeds, dead trees and poison ivy that one couldn’t walk through it. The church voted to dedicate the land as the John R Carson Memorial Park. But a tremendous amount of work was needed to bring the idea to fruition. A large group of volunteers comprising CCC members, Boy Scouts, high school classmates of John, and family friends united to build the very beautiful and uniquely designed park we enjoy today.

Brenda (Dudley) Ball, a member of the church and of the Open Gate Garden Club in Chelmsford, designed the park. Although an interior designer by profession, she always had a love for gardening. Within the design are shades of pink, yellow and white, with flowering times staggered throughout the summer jordan 1 mid linen. She chose plantings that require minimal maintenance. Church member Walter nike ja 1 scratch Lewis brought in his tractors to clear the land, and arborists came in to take down large trees past their prime. Topsoil was donated by a Carson family friend, Dr. Rodger Currie. CCC members donated funds to purchase and plant the new shrubs and trees. The lovely gazebo located in one section of the park was designed and built by CCC member Bob Moore and his family in memory of his first wife Barbara. Church fundraisers were held to support other financial costs. It took two long years of hard work to complete the project.

The John R. Carson Memorial Park was dedicated on June 10, 1990. In addition to the many shrubs that have been planted, four more Eagle Scout projects have also been completed (lawn sprinkler system, entrance way fencing, indirect lighting, and fire pit).

The park received special recognition by The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts when it was included on their 2000 edition of Massachusetts Gardens on Tour. This tour featured more than 75 gardens, historic sites and public spaces in communities across the state.

Even though the park is privately owned by the church, we have from the beginning opened it to the public, and it sees a lot of use – Sunday worship, Sunday School classes, picnics, weddings, prom pictures, and as a private place for a time of reflection. It is truly an extension of our church.