Tori and Mark Marocco have finalized a plan to construct a playground in memory of their late son, Jaxon, in Cranston’s Chafee Athletic and Recreation Complex on Hope Road.

The Jaxon Marocco Memorial Playground will reside in front of the basketball court on the right just after entering the complex.

“Our son passed away last July, and after he passed away we wanted to do something for the community,” Tori Marocco said on Tuesday afternoon at the playground site. “They helped us a lot to raise money for (Jaxon’s) disease (Niemann-Pick disease type A), so last year we came up with this idea and raised money. People were really willing to help.”

The community certainly came out to support the Marocco family’s effort, as several individuals donated small, medium and large bricks for a brick wall that will be constructed at the beginning of the playground. Donors were able to contribute anywhere from $250 to $1,000, and those donors will have their names on their donated bricks. Additionally, the community held softball and baseball tournaments to help raise money, while others made anonymous donations. There will also be a golf tournament held on Monday, and Tori and Mark are hoping that will raise the rest of the money that they need.

Local organizations such as Cranston Western Little League and CLCF have been extremely helpful in the development of this idea, making generous donations to the Marocco family for their cause while helping to push the process along by getting sponsors.

“Everyone in the community has been really good with stepping up and getting us sponsors,” Mark Marocco said. “It’s worked out really good.”

As for a timetable for the handicap-accessible playground, Tori and Mark expect to break ground the first week of September to get everything leveled. They’re hoping for a grand opening date some time within the first two weeks of October.

“We expect to have about a month of work,” Mark Marocco said. “That’s the toughest part, just trying to line everything up. We’re going to have a dedication when we open it and have the Mayor come. Everyone who donated is obviously welcome to come and anyone else.”

Jaxon’s Memorial Playground will undoubtedly keep his memory alive for years and years to come.

“It’s a nice way to keep his memory alive and do something good in his honor,” Tori Marocco said.