On December 13, 2025, the Bellaire community gathered at Joe Gaither Park to dedicate Blakely’s Butterfly, a butterfly-themed play structure honoring the memory of 8-year-old Blakely McCrory. Blakely was among the 27 lives lost in the devastating flash floods at Camp Mystic on July 4, 2025 which is a group now known collectively as Heaven’s 27.
The dedication brought together Blakely’s mother Lindsey McLeod McCrory, families of Heaven’s 27, Bellaire residents, representatives from the City of Bellaire, and members of PATRONS for Bellaire Parks, the nonprofit organization that partnered with the city and neighbors to bring this tribute to life. The ceremony included a live butterfly release, a fitting tribute to Blakely’s memory and the play structure’s namesake. The play feature stands in the park where Blakely loved to play, creating a joyful space that reflects her vibrant spirit while giving future generations of Bellaire children a place to find the same joy she did.
Those wishing to support the ongoing mission of camp safety advocacy can learn more through the Campaign for Camp Safety, founded by a coalition of Heaven’s 27 families working to prevent similar tragedies. Contributions to PATRONS for Bellaire Parks support continued enhancements to Bellaire’s public parks and green spaces.
