On January 31, 2013, the Lillard family of Myersville, Maryland was struck by unthinkable tragedy when a horrific house fire claimed the lives of their daughters Sophie and Madigan, killed the family's four pets, destroyed their home and virtually all the family's possessions, and hospitalized the surviving family members. As Sophie and Madigan's parents struggled to cope with the loss of their da
ughters, they looked for a way to honor the memory of Sophie and Madigan and pay tribute to the joy Sophie and Madigan brought their family and friends during their too short lives. Having lost all their possessions, the Lillards were left with no physical reminders of Sophie and Madigan...none of the toys Madigan and Sophie played with, the clothes they wore, their hand drawn pictures and art projects, their favorite books, handmade jewelry...the list goes on and on. The Lillards were struck by the harsh reminder of how important memories are, especially those memories that a family creates together. At the same time the Lillards were coping with this horrible loss, they were touched by the outpouring of support provided by the greater Frederick County, Maryland community that was rocked by the tragedy. The Lillards realized that by creating a memorial park and themed playground, they could create a place that honors Sophie and Madigan in a way that reflects their personalities and spirits, while at the same time provide the community with a place where children and their families could build memories together that last a lifetime. The Lillards founded Sophie and Madigan's Playground in June 2013. Sophie and Madigan's Playground will honor the lives of Sophie and Madigan by providing opportunities for children and their families to play, learn, and create lifelong memories together. This mission will primarily be accomplished by building a themed playground in a memorial park established for Sophie and Madigan Lillard. Once the playground has been built, it is the vision of Sophie and Madigan's Playground to continue providing opportunities for children and their families to build memories.
