Stephen Michael Linen, Jr. Memorial Park’s new playground honors Temecula’s first responders
TEMECULA, Calif. — Temecula’s Community Services Department was proud to announce today that a new playground has been built and is now open at Stephen Michael Linen, Jr. Memorial Park in Temecula, located at 44935 Nighthawk Pass in the Redhawk area.
The newly renovated project, which was made possible by Temecula residents’ support of Measure S, was designed to honor Temecula’s First Responders, according to City officials.
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Kids are sure to enjoy the park’s new public safety-themed playground, which now features a ‘police station’ play structure for children 5-12 years old with a two-story enclosed tower, two 12’ spiral slides, a double slide, several climbers, ladders, and a hex pod climber.
To add to the fun, kids can enjoy the park’s new 33’ long Sky Run Zip Track, four-person police car seesaw; and a police dog climber named after Temecula’s very own K-9 officer, Dayka.
In addition to the zip-line and fire station structure, one of the park’s favorite new features is its police station-themed playground area, which has many exciting features for children to climb on and explore. Children will also love climbing on and taking pictures with Temecula’s very own K-9 Dayka.
Younger kids can play on the firehouse-themed 2-5 year old play structure, which has multiple platforms, slides, and climbers.
For the adults, there is also a Thrive 450 Fitness Station located just outside the playground area.
The park was dedicated in honor of Highway Patrol Officer Stephen Michael Linen, Jr. who was killed in the line of duty on August 12, 2001, when he was struck by a drunk driver during a traffic stop in San Diego.
“Stephen Michael Linen, Jr.’s memory and legacy lives on right here in Temecula,” Mayor Maryann Edwards commented. “Michael was admired and awarded for acts of bravery and heroism performed while rescuing a man trapped in a burning vehicle and for his efforts to stop drunk drivers in San Diego.”
“The Park honors this fallen CHP Officer who lovingly called our City his home and is our way of showing just how much Temecula cares about our community,” Edwards continued.
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Temecula City Council Member & Community Services District President, Zak Schwank added, “Temecula’s newly renovated parks express our commitment to providing safe, accessible, and equitable recreational experiences for all.”
“Temecula’s First Responders continue to be there for us in times of need, especially during these challenging and changing times,” Schwank continued; saying, “We humbly thank and salute all First Responders and public safety professionals for their lifelong commitment to public service.”
All Temecula playgrounds remain open for families to get outside and responsibly enjoy parks and recreation, but remember to please Play It Safe by socially distancing when possible, and being respectful of the safety of those around you.
For more information, follow @TemeculaParksAndRec on all social media channels.
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For more information, contact Bill Tyler at Century 21 Full Realty Service.
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Trevor Montgomery, 49, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS).
Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County-based newspapers Valley News, Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; the Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County; and Mountain Echo in Shasta County. He is also a regular contributor to Thin Blue Line TV and Law Enforcement News Network and has had his stories featured on news stations throughout the Southern California and North State regions.
Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)
During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.
Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.
Trevor has been married for more than 30 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 18 grandchildren.