While in high school, Edie’s son Dennis had no good options when it came to a place to hang out with other special needs students and friends. She began a quest to build a park for children and families with special needs to gather. After being inspired by a mother in another state and by the needs of her own son, she worked tirelessly to secure grants and host fundraisers. On September 17, 2000, she founded and opened Independence Park – Center Grove’s first park designed with equipment for people with disabilities. Edie explained, “This park was a community effort and truly a dream come true for me and my family.”
