Salisbury in Wicomico County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Ben's Red Swings
The Ben's Red Swings Community Playground Story
| | Imagined by Children Built by Community Loved by All | |
During the week of May 11 - 16, 2004, more than 4,000 local volunteers gathered at the west entrance to the Salisbury Zoo to build a playground to honor the life of Ben Layton, who lost his life to leukemia at age 4. Ben's dying wish was to receive red angel wings when he went to heaven.
Ben's Red Wings was planned by a dedicated group of family and friends, designed by local children, funded by the generous donations of individuals, businesses, and organizations, and built by an army of volunteers.
We hope you enjoy the playground in the spirit of community that came to build it and know the gratitude that we all share for those who contributed to make it a reality. The playground requires regular upkeep and maintenance. We are grateful for the continuing help from community volunteers every year in order to keep the facility looking its best.
If you wish to help with the ongoing maintenance of Ben's Red Swings, please contact: https://salisbury.md/bensmaintenance To donate please contact Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore: cfes.org and specify it's for Ben's Red Swings. Thank you!
Erected by Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is May 11, 2004.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: About Ben Layton (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ben's Red Swings Community Playground Story (within shouting distance of this marker); American Bison (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Beaver (about 700 feet away); American Alligator (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Evolution of the "Best Little Zoo in North America" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wicomico Treasures (approx. 0.2 miles away); POW★MIA (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salisbury.
![Ben's Red Swings Marker [Reverse] image. Click for full size.](Photos8/823/Photo823301.jpg?1012202491600PM "Ben's Red Swings Marker [Reverse]. Click for full size.")
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 12, 2024
3. Ben's Red Swings Marker [Reverse]
Nine months of planning...Eleven Committees...$250,000 in donations...Four thousand volunteers...Six days of building...Countless happy children!
Imagined by Children... Built by Community
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 12, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
