Musical Notes Park honors late Northborough man
By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Photo/Melanie Petrucci
Northborough – When Steven “Chris” Marshall died on Aug. 8, 2015, at age 29, in a tragic hiking accident in New Hampshire, his family was understandably devastated. And although nothing can ever totally take away that incredible pain, the family is hoping that a recent gift they bestowed to Northborough will help brighten the lives of the town’s children while also honoring their beloved Chris.
On Sept. 29, family, friends and town residents gathered at the Ellsworth McAfee Park for the official dedication of a Musical Notes Park.
“I feel like Chris has come today,” Arlene Marshall said as she welcomed those in attendance for the informal yet emotional ceremony.
Arlene, her husband Steven, her daughter Julie and Julie’s son Isaac had decided on the outdoor musical instruments as a gift to the town in Chris’s memory. The Northborough Board of Selectmen had accepted the gracious gift from the family at its May 20 meeting.
The installation is located near the children’s playground and soccer field which is fitting, his family said, because Chris once played soccer on those fields. He had also hoped to one day raise his own children in Northborough because the town meant so much to him.
“With the power of all the love and all the people here that meant the most to him in his life and to know that he is here and that he is going to stay here in this special place in this town,” Arlene said at the ceremony. “Thank you all for coming and being a part of today, and those who knew Chris are probably saying, ‘Why musical instruments?’”
She explained that even though he had loved Bruce Springsteen, Chris had never played a musical instrument.
“Music is so joyful and Chris had a very joyful spirit, a loving joyful embracing spirit and music is all of that and more,” she added.
Photo/submitted
