Two Rosemont residents are hoping to make their neighborhood safer just by getting out and meeting their neighbors.
Ramil Custodio and Jon Hines are organizing an April 14 community walk to .
"I could really see his vision of hundreds or even thousands of people specifically walking to the park just to meet up and talk about the security of Rosemont and that if we would just get to know each other that we would have a better chance at making our neighborhood safer for us all," Hines said in an email.
Hines said the homicide of 13-year-old Jessica Funk-Haslam earlier this month hit close to home for his and Custodio's families, which both have newborn kids.
He said he was stunned by the on the topic of Jessica's killing.
"I moved to Rosemont in 1978 and never in my years of living here had I seen so many people engaged like that in any community, non-celebration type of gathering," he said. "And it was that reason that we decided to try and do something that might unite our neighbors a little more."
He also hopes a massive crowd of neighbors will "send a message" to any potential criminals that the area is strong and united.
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Rosemont Community Walk
4 p.m. on April 14: Walk to the picnic table area near the tennis courts at Rosemont Community Park
"There will be a short program at 4:30. Please be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks. Blankets & chairs are optional."
