New Hamilton playground honours late 11-year-old Jude Strickland

The community came out to honour and remember an 11-year-old boy who was struck and killed while walking home from school almost three years ago.

On Saturday, the playground officially opened in memory of Jude Strickland. Hundreds gathered at Eleanor Park on Hamilton Mountain to see the new playground and climber dedicated to Jude’s honour.

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Jude was walking home from school on December 1, 2020, when he was hit by a pickup truck. The 28-year-old driver went through a red light and sped through the intersection of Upper Gage at Royal Vista, even though there was a crossing guard directing children in the middle of the road.

Jude’s parents say Eleanor Park was one of his favourite places to play, and his former classmates were consulted on the design of the playground equipment.

The park is now a place for children to enjoy and remember Jude.

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