Marcus Fiesel Memorial Fund
For the All-Children's Playground
at Beech Acres Park

On August 15, 2006 three-year-old Marcus Fiesel was first introduced to this community as a foster child missing from Juilfs Park.  Immediately, and for the next several days, hundreds of individuals and emergency personnel came from the all over the Tri-State area to comb the park and surrounding neighborhoods in search of the boy everyone thought had wandered away.  Businesses donated food and supplies.  Candlelight vigils were held. The entire community hoped for the safe return of Marcus. 

Now, an entire community mourns.  As the shocking details of Marcus’ death begin to surface, the same community that came together in the search for Marcus is coming together once more in an effort to make something good come out of this unthinkable tragedy.  The Anderson Township Park District received an overwhelming number of requests from individuals who were determined to do something in memory of Marcus. Many expressed that they felt like Marcus had become a part of their lives. They didn't want him to be forgotten and made pleas to the park district to provide something tangible to keep his memory alive. 

Requests involved providing funding in Marcus’ name for the All-Children's Playground at Beech Acres Park.  This playground was designed with physically and developmentally challenged children in mind so that all children, regardless of their abilities, can play side-by-side.  Donations allowed a portion of the playground to be built along with a monument in memory of Marcus.  Previous fundraisers allowed the park district to install a section of the playground in the spring of 2006.  In addition, this project was financially assisted by The H.G., H.F. & L.T. Dornette Foundation, Fifth Third Bank and Stan Koller, Co-Trustees in the amount of $100,000.

The outpouring of concern has been beyond expectation.  Additional suggestions have included a tree, park bench or other type of memorial for Marcus at Juilfs Park.  The requests received by the Anderson Township Park District from residents for a tangible memorial within our community have been unsolicited. We continue to recommend making contributions to the Beech Acres Parenting Center (Beechacres.org) or one of the many other worthwhile organizations of your choice. 

Special Thanks

Special Thanks to Johnny’s Car Wash!  This Anderson business raised $5,185 for the Marcus Fiesel Fund donating $1 for every car washed during the month of September.

WLWT- TV Channel 5, Darryl Parks & 700 WLW- The Big One, with Jim Scott leading the charge, organized a fundraiser in the name of Marcus Fiesel, which raised a combined $77,945. This included donations from over 1,100 businesses and individuals around the greater Cincinnati area.