JJ’s Playground dedicated in memory of Lynchburg soldier

The lure of a shiny new swing set and brightly colored slides proved too strong Sunday for the youngest present at the dedication of JJ’s Playground, a tribute to a fallen Lynchburg soldier.

The afternoon ceremony was punctuated by bursts of laughter as eager young children raced about and explored the new site. Organizers of the event gave way and embraced the chaotic scene around them as they spoke of the playground as a place of happiness and hope and love.

“May the sound of children at play bring a smile to your heart and remind us all that each day is a day of promise,” said the Rev. Robert Putt of West Lynchburg Baptist Church, a key partner in the project.

JJ’s Playground is named in honor of Pfc. Jason Scheuerman, a Lynchburg man who was serving in Iraq in 2005 when he took his own life.

Jason, only 20 at the time of his death, grew up attending West Lynchburg and is widely remembered as a sweet and funny boy who always made time for the children of the congregation.

“He was a fun-loving kid who just had a lot of personality,” recalled church deacon Ken Shumaker. “He enjoyed being with the kids. That was his calling, I think.”

The playground — which derives its name from Jason’s family nickname — is the result of a joint undertaking between West Lynchburg and the Scheuerman family. The site itself occupies a sunny spot across the street from the church. Officials plan to use it for West Lynchburg’s youth programs, as well as open it up for public use as often as possible.

Sunday’s dedication was attended by more than 200 people, including U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, Del. Shannon Valentine, City Councilman Scott Garrett and Vice Mayor Bert Dodson.

Numerous members of the Scheuerman family were also on hand, including Jason’s parents, Anne and Christopher Scheuerman.

For them, the completion of JJ’s Playground represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream. It also offered an opportunity for healing amidst what was has been a long and difficult journey.

“This has been everything I hoped for and more,” said Christopher Scheuerman as he surveyed the crowded playground. “Jason’s up above smiling down on us right now. He would have loved this.”

Anne Scheuerman said she was glad her son’s legacy would be connected to a place of “laughter and joy.”

“This has brought us some peace where there was only heartache before,” she said. “Knowing that this exists and Jason will not be forgotten.”

As the afternoon waned on, the crowd began to thin as people drifted away to a special lunch arranged back at the church.

With only a handful of people left — predominantly family — Anne Scheuerman got up the courage to do something surprising. She hopped onto one of the playground’s swings and began soaring through the air, a smile spreading across her face as she climbed higher and higher.

And once again, the playground was filled with the sound of laughter.