Gaudreau Family 5K Raises Over $500,000 for Playground Construction

Community Rallies for Playground Project Honoring Gaudreau Brothers

A record turnout for the Gaudreau Family 5K Walk saw an outpouring of support for a new accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School, a cause deeply connected to the late Gaudreau siblings, John and Matty.

Despite a tornado watch the previous evening, the 5K event proceeded smoothly, exceeding organizers’ expectations. “We had so manny people we thought might not show up because of the rain,” shared Jane Gaudreau, mother of the late siblings. “But I felt like it was such a great turnout. So many people asked us if we’re going to do it again next year. It just such an outpouring of love and care, so much for the boys in our family.”

Answering the community’s enthusiasm, the next Gaudreau family 5K Walk is tentatively scheduled for May 16, 2026, ensuring the continued momentum for the playground initiative.The Gaudreau brothers, John and Matty, tragically lost their lives last August when they were struck by a suspected impaired driver while cycling.Their deaths cast a shadow over their home state of New Jersey, but their legacy is now being channeled into a meaningful community project.

The playground initiative at Archbishop damiano School, where the Gaudreau siblings volunteered, was established in October 2020.The fundraising journey, a slow build over five years, has seen meaningful acceleration thanks to the widespread inspiration drawn from the brothers and their cause. “We heard so much from everyone how much they appreciated everything [the brothers] did for the community, and so they turned around and helped us out,” Gaudreau explained. “We heard a lot of nice stories, a lot of people were just so generous, just wanting to be there for our family and whatever they could do to keep John and Matty’s legacy alive, which is what we wanted from the playground and to go forward from here.”

the Gaudreau family and school staff have been instrumental in driving the fundraising for a state-of-the-art playground designed with comprehensive accessibility, including ramps and transfer platforms, to accommodate students with special needs. the students themselves actively contributed to the vision, pinning their wish list items to the school walls. The 5K event was further bolstered by an online memorabilia auction that expanded beyond hockey memorabilia, with all proceeds dedicated to the playground’s original $600,000 goal.

While the playground’s new location has been designated and equipment has been ordered, the project still requires significant community involvement for its completion. The Gaudreau family and Archbishop Damiano School are planning a community build day, anticipating the need for extensive assistance with materials ranging from crushed concrete to beach sand.

Archbishop Damiano School, a cornerstone of the community since 1968, provides specialized education for 135 students with special needs, from ages 3 to 21. The school holds a deep family connection for the Gaudreaus; Jane Gaudreau is a long-time finance associate, her daughter Kristen is a teacher, and her younger daughter Katie also contributes. The late John and Matty Gaudreau, both passionate hockey players, dedicated their time to volunteering at the school when their schedules permitted.

How does the Gaudreau Family 5K demonstrate the impact of community involvement on local park improvements?

The Impact of Community Fundraising on Local Parks

The recent Gaudreau Family 5K run and walk has been hailed as a resounding success, exceeding all expectations and raising an extraordinary $527,842 for the construction of a new, inclusive playground at Willow Creek Park.This significant sum will directly fund the creation of a safe, accessible, and engaging play space for children of all abilities in the Archyde community. The event showcased the power of collective effort and the deep commitment residents have to enhancing local recreational facilities. This fundraising achievement sets a new benchmark for community-led park improvements.

Event Details & Participation

Held on July 27th, 2025, the Gaudreau Family 5K attracted over 1,200 participants, ranging from seasoned runners to families enjoying a leisurely walk. The course, winding through the scenic trails of Willow Creek Park, was designed to be accessible for all fitness levels.

Here’s a breakdown of key event highlights:

Total Participants: 1,235

Funds Raised: $527,842

Top Fundraiser: Local resident, sarah Miller, raised $12,500.

sponsors: Major sponsors included Archyde Bank, greenleaf Landscaping, and Peterson’s Family Restaurant.

Volunteer Count: Over 75 volunteers dedicated their time to ensure the event’s smooth operation.

The event wasn’t just about running; it featured family-amiable activities, including face painting, a bouncy house, and live music, creating a festive atmosphere. Local food vendors also contributed a portion of their proceeds to the playground fund.

Playground Design & Accessibility Features

The new playground, designed in collaboration with local children and accessibility experts, will be a meaningful upgrade from the existing, outdated play structure. The design prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring children with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities can participate fully.

Key features of the planned playground include:

1. Ramped Access: Ramps will provide access to elevated play structures for children using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
2. Sensory Play Area: A dedicated sensory play area will feature elements like musical instruments,textured surfaces,and calming colors to stimulate children with sensory processing differences.
3. Adaptive Swings: Bucket swings and other adaptive swing options will accommodate children with limited upper body strength or balance.
4. Safety Surfacing: Poured-in-place rubber surfacing will provide a cushioned and accessible surface throughout the playground.
5. Inclusive Play Structures: Multi-level play structures will incorporate transfer stations and accessible routes.

The playground’s design also incorporates enduring materials and landscaping, aligning with Archyde’s commitment to environmental obligation.

The Gaudreau Family’s Involvement & Motivation

The Gaudreau family, long-time residents of Archyde, spearheaded the fundraising effort after recognizing the need for a more inclusive playground in the community. inspired by their own children, one of whom has a physical disability, thay wanted to create a space where all children could play and thrive.

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of play,” said Emily Gaudreau, the event’s primary organizer. “Seeing the community come together to support this project has been incredibly heartwarming.”

The family’s dedication extended beyond fundraising; they actively participated in the playground design process, advocating for features that would benefit children with diverse needs. Their personal story resonated with many donors, contributing to the event’s overwhelming success.

Benefits of Inclusive Playgrounds

Inclusive playgrounds offer a multitude of benefits, extending far beyond simply providing a place for children to play.

Social-Emotional Development: Inclusive play fosters empathy, understanding, and acceptance among children of all abilities.

Physical Development: Accessible play structures promote physical activity and improve motor skills for children with and without disabilities.

Cognitive Development: Playgrounds stimulate creativity, problem-solving skills, and cognitive growth.

Community Building: Inclusive playgrounds create a welcoming and inclusive environment for families and community members.

Reduced Stigma: by providing opportunities for children with and without disabilities to interact, inclusive playgrounds help reduce stigma and promote social inclusion.

Future Park Betterment Projects in Archyde

The success of the Gaudreau family 5K has sparked renewed interest in park improvement projects throughout Archyde.The Parks and Recreation Department is currently evaluating proposals for upgrades to other local parks,including:

Renovations to maplewood Park’s basketball courts.

Installation of a splash pad at Central Park.

* Expansion of the walking trails at Riverbend Park.

The department is actively seeking community input and exploring potential fundraising opportunities to support thes projects.Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming town hall meetings and share their ideas for enhancing Archyde’s parks and recreational facilities. Donations to the Parks and Recreation Department are also gratefully accepted.