In Barrio Viejo, on the corner of 18th St. and Convent Ave., lies a park. However, this is not just any park, this is a park to honor Orlando and Diejo Mendoza, two young boys killed by a drunk driver, at this intersection, in 1981.The park is a memorial to honor the boys, Orlando who was 2 years old and Diego who was only 17 months old. Built by neighbors, the park contains a plaque which tells the young boys' story. Directly in front of the plaque is a shrine, covered with candles, stuffed animals and other memorabilia to honor the innocent lives lost.
Along the back wall of the park are decorations, based on papel picado, or the paper decorations used during Dia de los Muertos, a November 2nd holiday in which the Hispanic culture honors the memories of departed loved ones. Every year, on the Day of the Dead holiday, celebrations are held at the park to remember the young boys and all other children who may have died too young. The park reminds us all that it is our responsibility to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The park is surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers and there are a number of iron chairs to sit and enjoy its visual elements. There is even a concrete chess table for an afternoon game. The park describes itself as a, "Quiet respite and a reminder of how precious life is." Check out the photo slide show below to see more of the park.
