ALAMO HEIGHTS, Texas – The Alamo Heights community recently came together to commemorate the life of 8-year-old Kellyanne Lytal, who tragically lost her life during the catastrophic Hill Country floods a year ago. The newly dedicated Kellyanne Park serves as a heartfelt tribute to her memory.
The park’s opening was marked by an emotional ribbon-cutting ceremony, which drew community members, local officials, and family members who shared in the momentous occasion.
“It’s hard to describe the emotions, put them into words,” said Alamo Heights Mayor Al Honigblum. He emphasized that the park represents a new chapter for the community after a year filled with sorrow and remembrance.
The Lytal family continues to navigate their grief, with Kellyanne’s mother, Malorie Lytal, poignantly stating, “It’s a nightmare, it’s a parent’s nightmare that you pray you never have to go through.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, highlighting the shared pain and support.
Kellyanne Park serves not only as a tribute to Kellyanne but also recognizes the lives of Sarah Marsh and Lila Bonner, whose families are integral to the Alamo Heights community. Their names are honored alongside Kellyanne’s within the park, emphasizing a collective remembrance.
The Lytal family hopes the park will embody the kindness and spirit that Kellyanne radiated. “Kellyanne, she was the kindest soul in the whole world,” Malorie reflected. “So this park is going to bring a lot of kids together and have kindness and community, and that’s what we want.”
Strategically located within walking distance from their home, the park sits adjacent to the Alamo Heights pool—a place cherished by Kellyanne. Malorie recalled how one of Kellyanne’s last wishes was to spend time at the pool before heading to camp, stating, “She said, ‘I want to spend my last days going to the pool. To the Alamo Heights pool.’”
The city plans to enhance the park further with a bronze monument honoring all of “Heaven’s 27,” a memorial dedicated to the victims of the floods, which is slated for completion by next summer. This initiative reflects the community’s commitment to preserving the legacies of those lost and fostering a sense of unity and resilience.
