James L Sullivan Memorial

When I was about 12 years old, I went jogging with him. As we ran down the trails we passed by park benches with names plates engraved on them.  I remember my grandfather saying, “Johnny, when I go, don’t put my name on a bench. I never came to these trails to sit down." He then picked up the pace, smiled and said, "You have to earn your breaks.” An Army veteran himself, he loved to run and box and did so into his late 70s until his health would not longer allow it. That interaction was over 20 years ago and it stuck with me. The drive to stay fit stayed with me all my life and is still my favorite hobby today. 
To honor him, I have begun the Earn Your Break project.  Dedicated to improving ourselves through helping and motivating others. I have worked with the great staff at the Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation department and we have selected  Veterans Memorial Park on Highland Ave in Ambler as the first site for an outdoor calisthenics park dedicated to James L Sullivan. The park features a 1/4 mile track already and we will be installing a pull-up bar, dip station, monkey bars, and an overhead traverse. There will also be a plaque dedicated to him, encouraging others to “Earn Your Break” before relaxing on one of the park’s benches.