Patton Park Basketball Courts Named in Honor of Late Commissioner
The late Valencia Pettigrew of Macomb believed in serving others. This 'service before self' is now a part of her lasting legacy as a park district commissioner with the dedication of the basketball courts at Patton Park in her honor.
On July 3, the Macomb Park District (MPD), with the Pettigrew family, Park Board commissioners and employees and city officials, dedicated the Valencia Pettigrew Courts. Pettigrew, who was a retired veteran, passed away Dec. 31, 2019 at the age of 53. She served as a Park Board commissioner from 2014-2019, including serving as the vice president from 2015-2019.
'Valencia Pettigrew believed that parks and recreation could bring people together and strengthen a community. She was a dedicated advocate for young people and worked to ensure every resident had access to quality recreational opportunities,' said MPD Executive Director Blake Severs. 'It is an honor for the Macomb Park District to recognize her lasting contributions by dedicating these basketball courts in her name. We hope everyone who uses this space will be reminded of her commitment to serving others and investing in the future of our community.'
According to Valencia's spouse, Ret. U.S. Navy Chaplain Ron Pettigrew, to their family, this honor means that his wife's fierce love for the community is exactly where it belongs: among the families she fought so hard for.
The court – and the plaque – stand as a permanent reminder to her children and Macomb that a life spent quietly lifting others up leaves a legacy not to be forgotten.
'Seeing my wife honored this weekend means the world to our family. This tribute turns our grief into profound pride. My wife never sought recognition, but she fiercely advocated for Macomb's youth,' he shared.
'This is a beautiful testament to her life. Like so many of our honorable public servants, her dedication was never about personal gain.
It was a labor of love that she balanced alongside her roles at our local church as Christian education director, at Western Illinois University and as both a military veteran and spouse. Her time as a Park District commissioner was unpaid, but she viewed it as a vital opportunity to pay forward the mentoring and education she had received here. Seeing every chapter of her life unite at the ceremony—professors from Western, fellow Park Board members, church congregants, military peers and family traveling from three states—showed just how far her legacy reaches.'
Photo courtey of Ron Pettigrew
