Byron Riverview Park dedicated in memory of four young girls

On Friday afternoon, a large crowd gathered at the entrance of Riverview Park in Byron for the dedication of the new park sign honoring the four sisters that tragically lost their lives early this year.

What once was a weed-infested, vacant lot was transformed into a playground for local kids after the town received a Placemaking Grant from the Wyoming Business Council several years ago. 

To begin the ceremony, Glen Hopkinson offered a dedicatory prayer followed by opening remarks from Mayor Allan Clark on the decision to feature the new signage in remembrance of Jordan Harshman (2), Brooke Harshman (2), Olivia Blackmer (7) and Brailey Blackmer (9).

 “I believe the tragedy we had has changed us forever,” Clark said. “Mental health is a real issue, and it is sometimes hard to understand or recognize. We hope this serves as a reminder to reach out to our neighbors and care about each other’s struggles.”

He shared about his family’s personal experience with a loss of a child and emphasized how precious life and time with loved ones is.

“We say we love each other every time one of us leaves the house because the possibility that we could never see them again or that they may not come home is very real,” he added. “Life can be very challenging but also very rewarding, and the blessings still outweigh the bad. If we could only realize that, before it takes such tragic events to happen, what a happier life it would be.”

Clark believes the tragic event brought the community closer together and hopes that the new sign at the park will continue to remind the residents of that for many years to come. He thanked those in attendance of the dedication and said he was very pleased with the turnout and how many people really continue to care and support this family.

After Clark, Sheriff Ken Blackburn was asked to share a couple of thoughts, and when he began reflecting on the tragedy, he became emotional and figuratively compared the community to a Phoenix rising from the ashes and becoming stronger and better together.

“The park is vital for community healing,” Blackburn said. “The pain will hopefully eventually soften, but the park’s name will allow the children’s memory to remain alive with us and not be forgotten with time.” 

After the closure of Blackburn’s remarks, the father of the oldest two daughters, Quinn Blackmer, thanked the crowd for the continual love and support shown to his family and for attending the event.

Blackmer unveiled the metal sign to the audience that features silhouettes of four girls playing to represent the sisters who lived down the street and frequently visited and played at the park.

Children in the crowd entered the park and enjoyed playing on the equipment. Refreshments were served, and residents lingered to share memories they have had at the location.

Members of the Lovell High School FFA chapter donated their time to cut out the metal design on the sign, while Lovell Redi-Mix contributed the cement and Top to Bottom Construction donated the cement work and installation of the sign.

The Byron Town Council has approved efforts to pursue additional grant opportunities for future improvements to be made at the park to make it a brighter spot in the community. Contributions can be made to add more equipment and permanent picnic tables to provide a fun, safe place for the youth and families of the town.