REDDING, Calif. — The family of Athena Passidakis, the 21-year-old Chico State student from Redding who was kidnapped and murdered on April 3, is keeping her memory alive with plans to enhance a local park that was special to Athena.
Athena’s parents, George and Meri Passidakis, told KRCR Athena always loved dogs. While she grew up in Redding, Athena often took their family dogs or dogs she was pet sitting or fostering to Benton Dog Park.
Now, they want to upgrade both the larger area of the park, as well as the separately fenced space for smaller dogs.
“We want it to generate just a happy environment,” Meri said. “Athena loved dogs, but she also loved bringing people together.”
George added, “It’s just a nice place for people to come. They may not even know her story until they get there. We want them to experience a really nice dog park and know everybody who contributed in Athena’s name played a part in that.”
The couple has been in communication with the city of Redding about the project, telling the Northstate’s News that city staff is appreciative and excited for the planned improvements.
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The starting goal is to gather $40,000 for the initiative. As of the early evening of April 23, they have raised around half of that.
Some of the new features they want to add are a shade structure, more benches, an obstacle course, along with a memorial for Athena, which would share her story, including overcoming adversities like health struggles earlier in her life.
George and Meri said they know Athena would be happy to see her legacy continue at a place she enjoyed so much.
“A lot of people use [the park], a lot of people who supported us through this use it, and I think that Athena would be smiling and would love that we’re doing this in honor of her,” Meri said.
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She added, “I can see myself in 50 years, and if somebody were in a visiting mood and wanted me to share a little bit about Athena, I would love to do that. And that would help me keep her memory alive.”
Anyone interested in donating can find the GoFundMe for the project here.
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