Chris Thomas, center presents an original poem to Terri Cheshire, executive director of the Center for Alexandria’s Children April 3 at Charles Hill Park in Del Ray. Shown in back are Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Terri Cheshire, Chris Thomas, Fiona Kunkel-Loughlin, Kate Garvey, and Police Chief Tarrick McGuire. In front are Gaskins’ children Eliana and Zeke.
Hundreds of colorful pinwheels were spinning in the breeze at Charles Hill Park to serve a purpose beyond decoration. The annual Pinwheel Garden in Alexandria brings attention to April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month while encouraging community support for children and families.
The Pinwheel Garden, organized by Alexandria Celebrates Women in partnership with Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) and the City of Alexandria, features dozens of bright pinwheels planted throughout the park in Del Ray. The display is part of the national Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, launched by Prevent Child Abuse America in 2008. Pinwheels have become the nationally recognized symbol of healthy, happy childhoods and the importance of preventing child abuse before it occurs.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Police Chief Tarrick McGuire were among those on hand April 3 as community leaders, advocates and residents gathered for the planting ceremony, which invited participants to place pinwheels in the ground as a visible sign of commitment to child safety and family well-being. Organizers said the event is designed not only to raise awareness but also to spark conversations about prevention, education and community involvement.
Gaskins emphasized the need for collective action in protecting children as city leaders highlighted the role that community organizations, public agencies and residents play in recognizing and preventing abuse and neglect.
“Pinwheels represent the joy of childhood,” said Pat Miller of Alexandria Celebrates Women. Organizers describe the garden as a reminder that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, supportive environment.
The Alexandria Pinwheel Garden has become a recurring tradition each April, drawing attention to local child advocacy efforts and honoring organizations that provide services to children and families. As visitors pass through Charles Hill Park, the spinning pinwheels offer a simple but powerful message: protecting children is a responsibility shared by the entire community.
“Today is important because it recognizes the plague of child abuse that goes on in America,” said Chris Thomas, who presented an original poem to Terri Cheshire, the executive director of the Center for Alexandria’s Children. “To protect children it is necessary for us to recognize what is going on and to [let it be known] that we are still fighting against child abuse. It is our job to protect every single child and family affected by abuse.”
Mayo Alyia Gaskins, right, reads a proclamation as part of the ceremony dedicating pinwheels for child abuse awareness Apil 3 in Charles Hill Park.