Memorial to Roseville Boy Planned at Bruce Russell Park

Following the tragic, accidental 2010 death of Carter Geyen at Bruce Russell Memorial Park, new playground equipment in memory of the 12-year-old Roseville boy will be erected near the site of the mishap.

The Roseville City Council on Monday unanimously approved donations of cash and in-kind labor for the project. Lonnie Brokke, city director of parks and recreation, said Wednesday the project is expected to be completed by early summer.

Between $12,000 and $15,000 in materials and time are expected to be spent on the project, Brokke said. He called the playground equipment "interactive," incorporating sand and water.

The memorial also will include a bench, sitting area and drinking fountain, Brokke said. Following Council approval, city officials and contractors will finalize plans with the Geyen family before construction begins.

Carter Geyen died Aug. 1, 2010 after a five-pound rock- launched from a giant slingshot- fell from the sky, striking the youngster in the chest, according to a  Minneapolis Star Tribune report. Roseville Police attempted to revive Carter, but he was pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

The slingshot was made from surgical tubing threaded between park equipment nearly 10 feet above the ground, according to the newspaper. One boy would stretch the slingshot to the ground while another boy lying on the ground, released the projectile, the newspaper reported.