
Mayor Rich Walker
A Message from Mayor Rich Walker
When we come together, we are better, and we are stronger.
As a City, our sense of unity is ingrained in our culture, into who we are, and into the way we do life. The value we place on togetherness and connection is integral to our well-being and a playbook for how we continue to thrive.
February marks the seventh anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy.
Through the vast and varied efforts of organizations and foundations that have been created to memorialize the 17 victims of this tragedy, positive changes have been made on the federal, state, and local levels regarding laws and policies that will ensure safety for us all—in the hopes that a similar horrific event is not repeated.
This month, as we commemorate the lives lost, we will continue to do so with a sense of direction and purpose that speaks to the tremendous work many in the community have done to memorialize the lives that were taken from us too soon.
The Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation is the manifestation of our vision to honor those lost in the tragedy. The memorial will be nestled in a serene 150-acre preserve that borders Coral Springs and Parkland, an important union of two affected communities.
As Mayor of Parkland and as the Treasurer of the Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation board, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and work of fellow board members Michael Moser, Chairman; Tony Montalto, Vice Chairman; Joy Carter, Secretary; Alice Zendel Simon, Director; Theresa Brier, Director; and Bonnie Barnett, Director at Large.
On Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Amphitheatre at Pine Trails Park, we will hold the seven-year Commemoration event to honor and remember the 17 victims. Every year this event provides a humbling reminder of those who were taken and how our community bands together to honor them and comfort one another. We honor Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup, and Peter Wang.
As a united community, the Parkland 17 Memorial will one day stand as a grand symbol of hope, unity, and most of all, love.
If you would like to learn more about the Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation, visit Parkland17.org. If you have questions or comments you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached via e-mail at rwalker@cityofparkland.org or via cell phone at (973) 390-1453. Of course, I am frequently available monthly at Parkland businesses and love to talk with residents there. I encourage you to visit the City’s website, cityofparkland.org and click on the social media icon that you prefer to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.
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