SAN ANTONIO -- Theresa Chamberlain is helping friends cope with the loss of their 7-year-old son, Wyatt McDaniel. She and others have started a petition drive to have a park renamed—"
Wyatt Park" in honor of the child, who died in January while playing in a sand pile with his younger brother.
In just two days, more than 500 people have signed the
petition supporting a name change for Panther Springs Park.
“People from out of state and out of the country have signed it,” Chamberlain told us.
She realizes there will be people who disagree. Voters approved the more than $2-million 2012-2017 bond project, and many homeowners have attended meetings regarding the community project.
"Simply, we want to make a plea and let city council know this would be very meaningful for many people," explained Chamberlain.
She said many people were shocked after learning how Wyatt died on his family’s property, the Wild Sunday Farm. Chamberlain explained how the 7-year-old was digging a tunnel in the sand when it collapsed on him in front of his 5-year-old brother.
"The story alone is just tragic, child’s play and two boys just having a blast outdoors, like so many times before," Chamberlain told us.
Quite naturally, the family is still having a difficult time coping. Chamberlain told us there was a charitable fundraiser at Chick-fil-A in the Stone Oak area, honoring Wyatt and helping families at the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter.
Thursday, Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt and Treats at Blanco and Loop 1604 hosted an event donating a portion of proceeds to a fund helping the McDaniel's with expenses.
Many families experience loss, but Chamberlain feels Wyatt had a vibrate spirit that touched many lives and renaming the park seems to be a fitting tribute.
"Wyatt will be with all of us forever, regardless to whether the park is renamed or not," added Chamberlain.
According to city ordinance, there is a process to follow for naming property. The process includes public comments and a city council vote.
