ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- What was a vacant lot in the Middle of a Rochester neighborhood is now transformed. George Bauershcmidt originally wanted to turn it into a rose garden, until he found out about George Herring, a 17-year-old boy who was murdered just down the street less than a year ago.
"We figured the best idea would be to turn it into a memorial park, for two reasons: To honor a kid who didn't deserve to die, and to bring the community together to make it seem alot nicer than it is now." Bauershcmidt said.
George Herring celebrated his 17th birthday last year on July 16th, and since his death, members of the community have come together to put together a memorial park, full of flowers, vegetables and even a wishing well, to celebrate his life and memory.
As the park comes together, his mother Christina couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.
"It means alot for someone to do something like this, especially for someone who didn't even know George," George's mother Christina said. "I come here alot, its a place for me to feel at ease. I don't go to George's grave alot, so this is where I come so I can feel close to him."
Even though George might be gone, she never feels far away.
The park, christened George Herring Park, is to be finished before July 16th, what would have been George's 18th birthday, for a party to celebrate the boy's memory.