Student Wants Park Named After World War II Hero

A senior is working to rename Chartiers Park in Bridgeville for the World War II veteran who helped build it.

Bethany Lakus is pushing the borough to rename the park in honor of Ed Schneider because she thinks it would be a fitting tribute to the veteran with nine Bronze star medals.

“This is something I truly believe in,” Bethany said. “I want it to get done.”

Bethany spoke to borough officials Monday night and presented why she thinks Schneider, 88, deserves such an honor. She said he provided the land and equipment while helping to “build the park with his own hands” years ago.

“He helped to build Bridgeville to what it is today,” she said.

when he finally received his bronze stars after waiting for 65 years.

Bethany talked to him about his life for her senior project and later told him of how she was working to have the park named after him. It was honor that Bethany says meant a great deal to Schneider.

“He was so happy,” she said. “The look on his face, you could see how happy he was that this was happening. He couldn’t believe it. “

Now she’s trying to rally support around the community with petitions, a Facebook group and fundraising drive with local businesses. directed the parks and recreation committee to look into the idea and report back with a proposal.

Bethany says she wouldn’t mind if people around town still call the area Chartiers Park. But she’s hoping for the sign to acknowledge the Bridgeville man for who she respects greatly.

“They can call it whatever they want, but we want the sign to say Schneider Park,” she said. “He deserves that.”

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