Playground Honoring Gaithersburg Plane Crash Victims Is Now Open

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The Gemmell Family Playground at Griffith Park officially opened to the public on Sunday.

The playground is dedicated to Marie, Cole, and Devin Gemmell, whose lives were cut short in a tragic accident almost five years ago.

On Dec. 8, 2014, a private plane crashed in the Gemmell's front yard, setting their Gaithersburg house ablaze. Marie — a 36-year-old mother and wife — and her two sons, Cole, 3, and Devin, 7 weeks, were killed. At the time, her husband Ken was dropping off their daughter Arabelle to school.

Since the tragedy, Ken and Arabelle have wanted to design a playground in their memory.

The pair teamed up with Where Angels Play Foundation to raise $100,000 for the project. The foundation builds playgrounds to honor families and communities following a tragedy.

Work on the playground started in early September. Residents were invited to support to the project during volunteer days, which took place Sept. 12 through Sept. 14.

The playground highlights a few of Marie, Cole, and Devin's favorite things.

"A tugboat for Devin, a sports themed plaque for Cole, and a nod to theatre for Marie. The Gemmell Family Playground at Griffith Park celebrates their lives and welcomes all children to play," the City of Gaithersburg tweeted.

A tugboat for Devin, a sports themed plaque for Cole, and a nod to theatre for Marie. The Gemmell Family Playground at Griffith Park celebrates their lives and welcomes all children to play. pic.twitter.com/kRDLAS3aJ9
— City of Gaithersburg, MD (@GburgMD) September 16, 2019