Over the weekend, Bell Memorial Park was the scene of a significant community gathering as Milton honored its latest slate of local heroes with inclusion on its Wall of Fame. This year's ceremony, the crowd numbers outdoing any in the tradition's seven-year history, paid tribute to a varied class of athletes, artists, coaches, and community architects, as reported by the City of Milton.
Director Tom McKlveen, at the helm of Parks and Recreation in Milton, set the ceremony's tone by emphasizing the caliber of the 2025 inductees. "They represent the very best of Milton and our community," McKlveen said, acknowledging their diverse contributions. Following McKlveen, Mayor Peyton Jamison highlighted the honorees' dedication, remarking on the commendable choice they made to serve the community, their tireless support for local athletes, and programs, and their enduring legacy.
Chris Rech, known for his decades of coaching in baseball and football, shared his connection to Bell Memorial Park and to the very heart of coaching. “I love literally everything about coaching and being with kids,” Rech told the assembly, according to the same City of Milton article.
The Salas duo, Juan and Katie, were celebrated for their sustained commitment to Hopewell Baseball, with Juan having led as president for nearly ten years. In a gesture of familial recognition, he shared the spotlight with his wife and children stating, “They mean everything to me, they were the difference, and they really made the program what it is,” as mentioned on the City of Milton website. The Wall of Fame, which stands as a physical testament to achievements and communal effort, will now bear their names together.
Making strides for the special needs community, Maureen “Mo” Wales was lauded for her adamant support and decades of service as a Special Olympics champion and advocate. She emphasized the importance of inclusivity in athletics and called on businesses to embrace hiring individuals with special needs. "You won’t regret it," she affirmed in her speech, as per the City of Milton website.
David Winsness, instrumental in establishing Eagle Stix as a premier girls lacrosse program, humorously recounted his early, less-knowledgeable days of coaching. His dedication was apparent as he thanked his family and echoed a familiar refrain, "For the citizens!" Winsness’s efforts have culminated in a legacy where Bell Memorial Park now serves as a fertile ground for future lacrosse talents, according to the City of Milton website.
For those interested in the history of Milton’s Wall of Fame or in nominating future candidates, more details can be found by visiting the City of Milton’s website.
