Thomas E. Wortham IV Playground Dedicated

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The Thomas E. Wortham IV playground
The Thomas E. Wortham IV playground

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Mosaics designed with pictures of Wortham and scripted goals he achieved surround the entire play lot.

On Oct 22, friends, family and elected officials gathered in Cole Park located at 365 E. 85th St. for a playground dedication in honor of deceased Chicago Police Officer, Thomas E. Wortham IV.

In May, 2010 off duty Wortham was shot and killed in an attempted robbery. Wortham was the son of retired Chicago Police Sergeant, Thomas E. Wortham III and had been a member of the Chicago Police Department for nearly three years. He also served as the Cole Park Advisory Councils President.

Plans for the newly built playground were in development for five years mainly because the old playground was unsafe for children according to the Friends of the Parks (FOTP) organization.

With the help of the community, the Thomas E. Wortham IV playground was completed in 18 months. Mosaics designed with pictures of Wortham and scripted goals he achieved surround the entire play lot.

Thomas lived a really good life, said Sandra Wortham, the officers sister. He turned down corporate jobs, waiting to hear back from the Chicago Police Department. He worked to make the world what God intended, she added.

Carolyn Wortham, officer Worthams mother, also spoke at the dedication. We need to take back the community block by block house by House, she said.

Plans for the improvement of Cole Park will continue. The Cole Park Advisory Council plans to fundraise to obtain money for a new field house, a running path and a new basketball court.

By: Abbra Stiffend

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