NOVI, Mich. (FOX 2) - Earlier this week, FOX 2 learned that the family of Jessica Starr was proposing a weather-themed splash pad in Novi and now donations are welcomed to help pay for the $400,000 project.
Jessica's mother, Carol, shared the vision with the Novi City Council on Monday which would build a 3,200-square-foot splash pad at Novi's Bosco Park. It's estimated to cost around $400,000 to construct the 3,200 pad, which will be built using ideas from Jessica's children.
To help fund the costs, the Starr family is working with the Novi Parks Foundation on fundraising and you can help contribute. All you have to do is go to noviparksfoundation.org/ and click on your donation amount and select which project you want to donate to. There are several others listed on Novi's website, which you can read about here.
During Monday's city council meeting in Novi, Carol said the idea was actually inspired by Jessica's children.
"We wanted to have a place where her family could go and she could be remembered in a positive, happy, fun environment," said Carol. "One of the things her son and daughter said was a splash park so we thought what better place to be than with laughing, fun children and sunshine."
Our friend and coworker died in 2018 shortly after she had SMILE Eye Surgery done. Her husband, Dan Rose, shared videos that Jessica recorded on her phone detailing her daily battle to see and live with the pain from the fallout of her operation.
The Starr family has not been prepared to do anything to honor her legacy until now and Carol said both of her children go to school in Novi and live near Bosco Park.
The proposed splash pad would be accessible to all visitors regardless of age and abilities and will be operated remotely with sensors to activate the water.
The Starr family is partnering with Novie Parks Foundation to fundraise $400,000 for initial construction. The proposal is still in the preliminary stages and will be shared in the future.
"I can think of no better avenue to express her joy and zeal for life then to create something like this where kids will laugh and enjoy themselves for years into the future," said Mayor Bob Gatt. "It is something that will live on forever."
Jessica was a Michigan native, born in Southfield and raised in Commerce Township. She received two meteorology degrees from Michigan State University and Mississippi State University.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text 741-741.