Malvern Angels Play Playground Open In Memory Of Julia Bitto

MALVERN, PA — The new Julia Bitto playground opened just in time for the neighborhood children in East Whiteland Township to play on a new, state-of-the-art turquoise-and-purple jungle gym at Down East Park.

The park is extra special because it is dedicated to celebrating the life of Julia Bitto, 6, of Malvern who died on March 14, 2019, 19 months after being diagnosed with DIPG — diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma — a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer.

She was a bubbly 6-year-old who loved people and dance. Her favorite colors were turquoise and blue.

More than 100 family members, friends and participants who built the neighborhood playground gathered Sunday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The park, off Winding Way in East Whiteland Township, has a path leading to the 14-7 mile Chester Valley Trail.

The playground is sponsored by the Where Angels Play Foundation, started in 2012 by the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association to build playgrounds in Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and one to honor each students and teachers who died in Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

The foundation has expanded to other families across the country. The Julia Bitto playground is the 58th playground completed to commemorate angels.

At the foot of the playground a concrete market states "through sadness we discover joy." And a large J for Julia made of green plants is at the foot of the playground.

Julia’s mother, Christy, gave a heartfelt thanks to the community and organizers of the playground.

“Building this playground in honor of our daughter is something we wanted to do,” her mother said. “Thank you everybody for supporting our family.”

Julia’s father, Timothy, said the day comes with a lot of emotion.

“I feel happiness, joy, sadness and a lot of gratitude,” he said.

Timothy Bitto thanked Bill Lavin, founder of Where Angels Play Foundation, for working on the project with his family for 2½ years.

Timothy Bitto said he wore his daughter’s sunglasses and shirt to the event to connect with her.
Lavin said he is so happy to get to know the Bitto family.

“We see courage, gratitude and strength,” he said.

Julia attended For Kids' Sake preschool and General Wayne Elementary School along with her brother, Colin.

Julia's personality was larger than life, and she had a smile that could light up a room to go with it.

When she wasn't dancing, you could find her outside with her family taking a dip in the hot tub or riding scooters and playing wiffle ball with her brother and the neighborhood kids.

She loved going to Rehoboth beach, where running from the waves was a favorite activity.