Hickory has opened a playground to honor Zahra Baker, the 10-year-old disabled girl from Australia who was killed by her stepmother in North Carolina.
Officials cut the ribbon at the playground Saturday. It was paid for with $200,000 of donations.
Last month, more than 300 volunteers installed Bright blue, green, orange and purple colored equipment. Purple was one of Zahra’s favorite colors.
Zahra wore a prosthetic leg, a result of her fight with two bouts of cancer. Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins said the playground honors her in part by having swings and other attractions that can be used by disabled children.
“It’s just an example of this community, this state, this nation and the world embracing a little girl that they never knew. It will be a constant reminder of Zahra but also it will give us an opportunity to give children who are less fortunate that may have some physical or mental challenge that they can come here and play like every other child,” said Adkins.
A plaque outside the playground reads "Zahra, You Touched Us 1999 - 2010."
Zahra was reported missing in October 2010. Her body was found weeks later. Elisa Baker was sentenced to 15 to 18 years in prison in September after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and other charges.
