By Chris Shadrock
The City of Boerne and the Patrick Heath Public Library hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday to dedicate a new playground donated in honor of Matthew Gabourie, a beloved husband, father, brother, son, and friend who passed away in October 2021 at the age of 31 after a year-long battle with cancer.
The project was sponsored by the charity Make Kids Smile, Inc. and the Altus Group. The PlayWell Group supplied the equipment and gave generously of their time and effort throughout the project.
Around 30 of Gabourie’s family, friends, and coworkers from the Altus Group volunteered their time on Monday to complete the assembly of the playscape and prepare the grounds ahead of the ceremony. A memorial bench was also installed nearby.
The playground, located on the library’s campus, will provide children with a space to play, learn, and explore in a natural environment, reflecting Gabourie’s passion for outdoor activities.
Gabourie loved exploring the outdoors and the various parks and playgrounds in the area with his wife and their daughter. He valued the importance of being outside and connecting with nature. His legacy will live on through the playscape, which stands as a tribute to his commitment to family and outdoor play.
During the ceremony, family and friends shared stories about Gabourie’s life and the lasting impact he had on those around him.
The Patrick Heath Public Library, a central hub for knowledge and community engagement, will now offer this playscape as a place where families and children can enjoy the outdoors, blending creativity and exploration with learning.
