New Albany honors graduate with first memorial dedication: Becca's Grove
NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) – Rebecca "Becca" Eldemire's name will forever be a part of the nature she cared so deeply about with the unveiling of Becca's Grove, New Albany's first memorial trees and bench project.
Just 21 years old, Becca Eldemire was tragically killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2015 while studying at Miami University. In celebration of what should have been her 31 birthday, the city of New Albany partnered with her family and The Betterment for Environmental and Earth Protection (BEEPS) Foundation to unveil Becca's Grove.
The BEEPS Foundation donated $30,000 to fund Becca’s Grove in honor of Eldemire, who was a 2012 graduate of New Albany High School. The space features a grove of trees, a path and benches, and invites visitors to connect with nature in Taylor Farm Park. It’s complete with her favorite quote, displayed on a plaque: “Go outside no matter what and sit.”
“This park is just less than a mile from where Becca grew up,” Marlene Eldemire, her mother, said. “This was her stomping grounds. This is where it really all began and was fostered, and it's amazing to think this has all come together in her name.”
The BEEPS Foundation is a nonprofit established to honor Eldemire, who dedicated her life to sustainability and environmentalism. "Beeps" was also Eldemire's nickname, according to the organization.
The BEEPS Foundation funds multiple organic, self-sustaining farms, two gardens at Miami University and clean water efforts. The non-profit also works to bring "education, sanitation and gender equality" to the Tanzanian village of Arusha, where Becca Eldemire spent a summer teaching English.
Becca's Grove was unveiled on Nov. 2, the day before her birthday, and is now open to the public. Adrienne Joly, New Albany's administrative services director, said the grove was the first project of the city's new memorial program, and she welcomed others to use the program to dedicate a tree or bench in city parks.
To do so, people can apply online to install a bench for a $2,500 donation or a tree and plaque for a $1,495 donation. The cost pays for upkeep, personalization and installation in one of the city's parks.
“The fact that this is in her name, Becca’s Grove, I know she’s smiling," Marlene Eldemire said. "I know she wouldn’t want it any other way.”