Playground to honor student's mother

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - When Colin Krockenberger was diagnosed with Autism, his mother, Jennifer, made sure he was taken care of.

"From that day on, she was devoted to education," Colin's dad, Eric Krockenberger said.

Our sister station WTHI reports Jennifer went to seminars, read and often helped at Davis Park Elementary School, where Colin goes to school.

"She was dedicated to helping all kids with Autism that she was around, not just Colin," Krockenberger said.

Three years ago, Jennifer found out she had Colon Cancer.

She passed away June 8th of this year.

"I don't think any guy realized how much their wife does until they're not around. It's been a learning experience to say the least. It's been tough. But we're getting by," he said.

Eric says family, friends and Davis Park's support has helped with that.

Up until Jennifer's death, she made sure she was there.

"Colin just knows that his mother got sick and sent away, she was very good at planning for this. She had set me up quite well."

However, one thing she didn't get to see through was a safe place her son and others to play.

"This was something that Jennifer wanted, she wanted a place where kids could go where they'd be safe, secure, something that was more suited to their needs."

Eric, Colin's teacher and Jennifer's friend, Missy teamed up to build a playground with equipment geared for special needs kids and a fence.

"He's very adventurous, something catches his eye, he's going wherever its at."

It's a safe haven for kids, somewhere teachers don't have to worry.

"It's just nice to know, that they can explore and enjoy the outdoors and not have to worry about their safety while they're outside," Colin's teacher Deborah Walters said.

It will serve kids like Colin for many more years to come.

"We thought this would be a good way to honor her and a good tribute to her. We think she would have liked it," Jennifer's friend, Missy Schaumleffel said.

If you'd like to help raise money for Jennifer's Playground, you can donate directly to Davis Park Elementary School.

To send donations, its address is:

310 South 18th Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807