PRESCOTT, Ariz. - A couple hundred people gathered for the grand opening and dedication of Kayla’s Hands Playground at Pioneer Park in Prescott Saturday.
The playground was built in memory of Kayla Mueller, an American humanitarian aid worker who was taken captive in August of 2013 in Syria and then killed by ISIS at the young age of 26.
At the special and emotional grand opening Saturday, Kayla's father Carl said Kayla would be proud that she's bringing so much joy to so many families.
"It’s a beautiful day," he said. "It’s something we’ve worked for, for a long, long time.”
It was a day filled with song, prayer and a beautiful balloon release in honor of Kayla Mueller and in celebration of Kayla's Hands Playground.
Kayla's parents know this is exactly what she would want in the community: swings, slides, a zip line and climbing equipment.
“For me, it’s like closing a really big book that you just read and now I can just sit back and enjoy it, spend some time here, watch the kids," said Mueller.
“God has given us such a strength," said Kayla's mother, Marsha.
The playground is a place for people to come together and learn about human kindness -- what Kayla's life was all about.
Sen. John McCain spoke powerful words.
“The way Kayla chose was a way of love -- to love and be loved in moments of joy and sorrow, in happiness and suffering, to always, always love," he said.
Those who helped make the new playground possible got emotional at times.
“I think they are tears of joy that we were able to do this to celebrate her life," said Gary Ballard, president of the Kiwanis Club of Prescott.
“She should be remembered as someone who really cared about helping others, treating others right, making an impact on the community, which we are all about at the end of the day," said Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks president and CEO.
“I knew a lot about Kayla, where she had been and all the good she did, and if a couple kids go, ‘I want to be like Kayla when I grow up,’ the world would be a better place," said Don Brandt, president and CEO of APS.
“The little kids singing was the highlight of this whole affair, just makes you cry," said McCain. "I'm sure that Cindy and I will stop by here from time to time.”
Sen. McCain says Kayla's spirit and love will now echo in the joy and laughter of children.
