Playground To Honor Memory Of Clark's Caitlin Nelson

CLARK, NJ — A playground will be built in honor of Caitlin Nelson, 20, of Clark who tragically choked to death following a pancake-eating contest on campus at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. last year.

The park will be built at at 430 Westfield Ave. in Clark and replace Fun Time Junction next to Town Hall. The project is slated to begin in March 2019.

Nelson choked while participating in an on-campus, school-sanctioned pancake-eating contest for charity on March 30, 2017, and died three days later. (See Related: Clark Woman Chokes To Death During Eating Contest At College)

Nelson is also the daughter of the 9/11 Port Authority victim James Nelson, whom the James Nelson Memorial Park is named after in Clark.

The playground will reflect her life and personality, and will also pay tribute to her father James, according to Clark Township.

Nelson had a passion for social work and community service. The list of her volunteer work is endless and includes:

• She worked as a Peer Minister for St. Helen's church and served Kappa Delta as Vice President of Community Service.
• She also was a member of Camp Sea Stars North and Resiliency Center of Newton. In both organizations Caitlin focused on community healing for children and adults impacted by Sandy Hook tragedy Dec. 14, 2002.
• Also, Caitlin worked as a counselor at Sister Pat's Kids Camp, a summer camp for children who suffer from cancer and other related blood disorders. Caitlin was also an organ donor and saved several lives.

The playground will be designed by the Nelson family and built by members of Where Angels Play Foundation and local volunteers.

Donations are still being accepted. Checks can be made payable to: Where Angels Play Foundation and mailed to: Twp of Clark, Attn: Jennifer Kobliska, 430 Westfield Ave., Clark, NJ 07066.

For questions email jkobliska@ourclark.com. For more information on the foundation visit whereangelsplayfoundation.org,

The family has since filed a lawsuit against Sacred Heart University on Monday and is seeking to raise awareness of the preventable dangers associated with amateur eating competitions, according to lawyers. (See Related: Mom Of Clark Girl Who Died In Pancake Eating Contest Sues College)

(Images via Clark Township)

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