He created the Ice Bucket Challenge and made it his mission to spread awareness about ALS. Now, there's a push to honor Pete Frates in his hometown.
Frates, a former Boston College baseball star, was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. He pushed to spread awareness about the disease and raise money for a cure. One year and $225 million later, his efforts have made Frates a household name.
His hometown of Beverly, MA, is looking to rename Longfellow Playground as a tribute to Pete. It fell into disrepair years ago, with glass and garbage littering the ground. Courtney Melei, a neighbor and family friends of the Frates, is spear-heading a campaign to give the park a makeover.
"As a whole, the neighborhood's just really behind it, so there's a lot of energy and it's just exciting," said Melei.
"She remembers clearly the times when that park was teeming and thriving and my children were park counselors. Why couldn't it be that way again?" said John Frates, Pete's father. John, a Beverly city councilor, said he's touched by the community effort.
"Here is a permanent structure in his honor that he can go with his daughter and his nieces and feel inclusive, feel a part of," said John.
Pete's Park will be ADA compliant, a place for all to enjoy. With more than 1,000 signatures already on the petition supporting the proposal, it's right on track.
Massachusetts
The latest news from around the state
"It just proves what a great community we live in," said John. "Hopefully, we can do a big Ice Bucket Challenge with all the neighbors."
Click here to sign the petition.
