Copenhagen, New York (WWNY) – If you’ve driven through Copenhagen recently, you may have noticed the new pavilion by the bridge.
Part of the Ted Simmons Riverside Memorial Park, it was built to commemorate famous local businessman Ted Simmons.
On Sunday, the Simmons family held a memorial service for him in partnership with Copenhagen’s CARES Collaborative. Dozens of people gathered in the center of the park to celebrate Simmons’ life.
The pavilion was designed and built by his family and maintained by what they call the “Tree of Life”.
Ted Simmons’ son, Scott, says the pavilion isn’t just about honoring his father, it’s about honoring Copenhagen as a whole.
“This is our tree of life, a memorial tree that must commemorate those who want to give something in this town, here and in the surrounding area. This main tree structure supports the entire building. “Everything that’s here, our memories, our dreams, the things that we want to put on the tree are here. This tree is for the community,” said Scott Simmons.
Simmons says he hopes the pavilion will become a gathering place for people. Anyone who needs a memorial engraving on wood can contact his CARES Collaborative in Copenhagen directly.
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