Sebastian Botirius, age 4, of Solon, passed away due to complications from a bone marrow transplant in 2022. As an infant, Sebastian was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and subsequent genetic testing showed it was caused by a rare genetic disorder called LRBA deficiency. To honor his memory and his love for playgrounds, his parents created Sebastian’s Playgrounds. They created a non-profit organization, and with the help of its partners, raised funds for an all-inclusive playground located in Solon Community Park, which opened last Saturday.
“Sebastian loved playgrounds,” his mother Kelly Baylog said. “One of the things that we spent his whole life doing was going to all the different playgrounds in the area. The last year of his life, after he had his transplant, we had to keep him very isolated to keep him healthy. And he wasn’t able to play on playgrounds. Even when he was feeling his worst, he talked about the playgrounds that he wanted to play on when he was healthy. So when we started talking about how we wanted to keep his legacy alive, the first thing that we both thought of at different times was a playground.”
Kip Botirius, Sebastian’s father adds, “it was literally one of the last conversations I had with him. He wanted to go to a playground. He wanted to have a picnic, and he wanted Skittles.”
The playground that was built offers an opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to experience multisensory playground equipment including a glider, telescope, sensory play wall, rain sound wheel, adapted swings, music features and more.
The Quantis, which sits in the middle of the playground, provides ways for all children to climb and explore the structure both from above and below.
“We’ve been working toward this moment for three years, and while nothing can replace what we’ve lost, we know Sebastian would have been so excited to see this dream come true,” Kip Botirius says. “This playground reflects his spirit — joyful, inclusive and full of life — and it stands as a reminder of what community can do when people come together. We’re deeply grateful to the city of Solon, the generous donors, and every person who helped make this possible. It’s more than a playground — it’s a legacy.”
“This playground is all about our love for our young children,” City of Solon Mayor Edward Kraus said at the grand opening.
“I know he’s so proud of us,” Kelly Baylog says. “You know, life is so hard. I often say that we look completely normal from the outside, but a piece of our soul is missing. And I know he’s proud of us for figuring out a way to keep going — and, how to bring joy to the world.”