Label
PYS Dedication of Accessible Soccer Courts at Schneider Park
Parks and Youth Services
Joe Fausnaugh (3884)
Title
Memorializing the life of Jason C. Thomas and naming the Dual Mini-Pitches at Schneider Park the “Jason C. Thomas Memorial Pitches.”
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
WHEREAS, Jason Thomas, husband to Sally Gladwell for 25 years and father to Henry (Hank) Gladwell Thomas, Samuel Gladwell Thomas, and Eleanor Gladwell Thomas, was a long-term resident of Toledo who was born in Toledo on June 10, 1971 to and died unexpectedly on August 5, 2019;
WHEREAS, Jason was a lifelong soccer enthusiast, first playing soccer with Sally in sixth grade on a team coached by Jason’s dad, Philip Thomas. Jason was a multi-sport athlete but favored soccer and became a devoted soccer dad, watching his three children play from the time each of them was four-years-old. Most of their years spent playing soccer were at Toledo’s Schneider Fields. Among the families using Schneider Park, Jason earned the title of “World’s Greatest Soccer Dad” for his steadfast loyalty to the athletes and coaches and families;
WHEREAS, Jason was a fixture in the local Toledo community as an advocate for youth. He was a committed and inspiring teacher, having taught at his alma mater, St. Francis de Sales High School, and later at West Side Montessori, Toledo School for the Arts, and Maumee Valley Country Day School. Following Jason’s death, Maumee Valley Country Day School’s soccer teams permanently adapted their jerseys to include a patch emblazed with Jason’s initials, “JT” to memorialize the impact he had on the soccer players and the soccer program;
WHEREAS, as the idea for the Schneider Park Revitalization Project, resulting in an expanded and enhanced park - the only public space in Toledo dedicated to soccer - was solely inspired by the memory of Jason several months after his tragic death. Jason was a man for the community who understood the importance of providing safe outdoor activities for youth;
WHEREAS, as a beloved husband, dad, son, brother, teacher, and role model, Jason exemplified and taught the importance of integrity, kindness, and tenacity to his children and his students. He was a mentor to countless youth in the Toledo area and was well-liked and respected by everyone who had the good fortune to meet him.
Summary
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the life of Jason C. Thomas is hereby recognized and memorialized, by naming the Dual Mini-Pitches at Schneider Park to be the “Jason C. Thomas Memorial Pitches,” and that his many contributions to our community be lauded and condolences be extended to his family and friends on the loss of their loved one.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas 11, nays 0.
Adopted: July 17, 2024, as an emergency measure: yeas 11, nays 0.
Attest:
Julie A. Gibbons Carrie Hartman
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: July 17, 2024
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor