Memory of young boys honoured in playground upgrade

Published on 30 September 2020

The lives of two young boys has once again been celebrated in the park in Blacktown City that was named in their honour.

Robert and Daniel Kruse were aged just 4 and 10 when their lives were cut short when an unlicensed driver lost control of the car he was driving and crashed into the two boys in Tregear in March 1990.

Blacktown City Council worked with the boys’ family in naming the reserve at the site of the tragic incident ‘Kruse Park’ as a tribute to the brothers.

A memorial garden, which features a plaque dedicated to Robert and Daniel, was also established and this week a rebuilt playground was opened in the park.

Robert is remembered by his family as being a cheeky, mischievous, and funny boy who loved to spend time with his dad, loved Thomas the Tank Engine and the song ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’.

His brother Daniel is remembered as being a kind, friendly, and gentle boy who always helped people if he could, who loved riding motor bikes and fishing.

“Having this memorial garden for the boys is a reminder that drink driving, speeding and distraction is an issue. It is also a memory of two beautiful children who were taken from us,” a statement on behalf of the Kruse family said.

“Having the park is acknowledgement that they were lost here and a reminder to the community to drive safely and keep children safe on the roads.”

Kruse Park is now home to an upgraded playground which is open for the enjoyment of the local community and visitors to the area.

The $122,000 upgrade was funded through Blacktown City Council’s Works Improvement Program, with funding also coming from the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme, secured by the Member for Chifley Ed Husic MP.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, recently visited Kruse Park to enjoy the new facilities.

Mayor Bleasdale met with the boys’ mother Aline Kruse, their sisters Michelle Kruse and Melanie Knott, and aunt Sheena Smith, accompanied by Ed Husic and Councillor Brad Bunting.

“I pay tribute to the memory of Robert and Daniel, two beautiful brothers who were taken from their family far too soon,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Kruse Park stands as a testament to these young boys, who will live on in the hearts of their family, friends, and the Blacktown City community. We will not forget them.

“I am grateful to the Kruse family for their input to this project, which the whole community can now take great pleasure in,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The statement from the Kruse family said the park had been updated with a vision to bring families and the local community together.

“The new equipment allows parents with children of different ages to enjoy the park together,” the family said.

“It also allows the bigger kids to come and throw a football or soccer ball around on the grass area.

“This will encourage family time, it will encourage children to be active, and also encourage social time for parents and encourage kids locally to socialise in a positive way.”

Ed Husic MP said: “The upgrade of Kruse Park is a fitting tribute to the memory of Robert and Daniel Kruse – which is why I was proud to partner with the Kruse family and Blacktown Council on this project.”

“As a dad myself, I know how important these play areas are to young families and their children with this project creating a renewed sense of community in Tregear.”

Located along Erebus Crescent in Tregear, the new Kruse Park play space includes multiple swings, a giant tunnel, a multiplay unit with a slide, and a spinner.

There are new pathways and seating with trees planted to provide shading around the playground.

The refurbishment is part of Council’s current $448,000 program of playground upgrades across Blacktown City.  

Picture: (left to right) Michelle Kruse, Ed Husic MP, Federal Member for Chifley, Blacktown City Councillor Brad Bunting (back), Aline Kruse (front), and Melanie Knott, with the Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM.