Tinley Park District to Dedicate Playground in Honor of Local Teen

TINLEY PARK, IL — The Tinley Park-Park District’s Board of Commissioners has unanimously decided to name the playground at Pottowattomie Park in honor of Tinley Park Teen, Matthew Kocher. The public is invited to join the ceremony at 6 p.m. on July 25 at the park, 9128 178th St., as the park district dedicates the playground in his memory.

On July 27, 2013, 15-year-old Matthew Kocher was away at camp, earning community service hours for
high school. While standing in shallow water in Lake Michigan, Matt was caught in a rip current. He was
suddenly pulled away from shore; tragically, he drowned.

"Matthew was an amazing young man who many loved and respected," wrote the park district in a release. "He was an honor student and three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and volleyball at Andrew High School in Tinley Park.

"Matthew was gentle and kind, cared deeply for others, and was very involved in community service.
Matthew had a perpetual smile and warm, inviting eyes that made everyone feel at ease."

The impetus to establish the Matthew Kocher Foundation originated in the hearts of Matt’s parents,
John and Kathy Kocher. The Foundation’s mission is to carry on Matt’s spirit of caring for others by
offering water safety education to prevent future drownings and save lives. Matt’s parents do not want
any other families to experience the anguish of going through such a preventable tragedy. The
Foundation, who meets at Pottowattomie Park, also provides scholarship awards to deserving students
and provides community service opportunities to young people.

The dedication begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments and hot dogs being served following the dedication.