Tooele, Utah — Most little boys learn how to swing a baseball bat shortly after they learn to walk. Baseball is the traditional American past time. Families are brought closer together by sharing in the excitement of watching a loved one play this classic sport, however there are several little boys who will never have the opportunity to play baseball. Many children unfortunately do not live long enough to enjoy the experience of their first Little League game. Parker McIntyre is one child who will never even have the chance to see a ball field.

On March 23, 1996, Parker McIntyre was strapped safely in his car seat in the back of the family car. Parker, his mom, older brother and sister were traveling to north Tooele to do some shopping. When they arrived at the parking lot Jill discovered that Parker had stopped breathing. Jill believes that her baby probably died somewhere near the Tooele viaduct. Parker had died from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) while riding in his car seat.

Thousands of children die every year from this fatal syndrome and doctors still have not found a cure for SIDS. Drew Hall, the developer of the Overlake Community, donated the large field where Parker passed by when he lost his life. The open space will be used for a baseball complex and playground. "Baseball is the traditional American sport, it brings families closer together. We need to remember all of those sweet innocent children in Tooele who have passed away because of this horrible tragedy," says Drew.

Parker’s Park will be located in the Overlake Community, but will be a public park for residents in Tooele City to enjoy. Nearly five acres in size, the park is located at approximately 1700 North 170 West. The park will feature two Little League fields, a playground, pavilion, concession stand, restrooms, and parking lot.

"We broke ground on Parker’s Park in the spring of 1997 and the outpouring of love and service we have received from the community has been incredible," says Jill McIntyre, Parker’s mother. The estimated completion date for the park is scheduled to open during the summer of 2000, just in time to enjoy all of the summer sports.

Most of the park is being constructed with monetary and in-kind donations from businesses and individuals in Tooele. A commemorative brick program is also available for families to purchase in honor of a family member or friend. These bricks will be used to pave the walkways of Parker’s Park.

In addition to all of the monetary donations, the Utah SIDS Alliance has planted trees during the past two years in memory of all of the children who have passed away from SIDS in Utah. All of the sod for the ball fields was donated by a private donation and many hours have been volunteered by Tooele businesses, family, friends and neighbors of the McIntyre family and also the Utah National Guard.

"The experience of building and caring for the park will allow our children to share in the wonderful memory of their brother Parker," says Jill. Coincidentally, Jill gave birth to twin boys in February 1999, which is the same month as Parker’s birthday. "Our twin boys will now have the opportunity to know Parker through playing baseball in his park," concluded Jill.

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