BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
MILLTOWN — A dedication for the Ariella Hopkins Little Pocket Park will be held this weekend for a little girl who captivated everyone she came in contact with.
On Oct. 22 at 1 p.m., members of the Milltown Recreation Department, borough officials and Ariella’s family will unveil the naming of the park, which includes a bronze plaque and podium.
Ariella was just six years old when she passed away in June 2015 from a sudden illness. She had just graduated kindergarten from St. Bartholomew’s School.
The park is located on Herbert Avenue, where Ariella lived with her parents Bobby and Lisa Hopkins.
With the help of family and friends, Ariella’s name is being kept alive, which Bobby Hopkins said is all he and his wife could ask for in their time of mourning and remembrance of their daughter.
In May, Ariella Hopkins Day was held at Borough Park and the American Legion Joyce Kilmer Post 25 Pavilion. The day was sponsored by the American Legion.
“We had 700 people come and $30,000 was raised in scholarships and for veterans and their families,” Bobby Hopkins said.
Another upcoming event in Ariella’s honor is the second annual Ariella Pancake Breakfast, which will be held at St. Bartholomew School in East Brunswick from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 23.
Contact Kathy Chang at kchang@gmnews.com.
