Park Fundraiser Launched in Memory of ’23 Solehi Grad

A local family is raising money for a park in memory of a recent graduate of Southern Lehigh High School.

Coopersburg resident Ayden Scharper died earlier this month, just two years after earning his diploma from SLHS.

A Muhlenberg College student who was studying business and a member of the school’s football team, the 19-year-old had worked at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Brooks Brothers and Planet Fitness, according to his obituary.

“One of his proudest moments came when he helped lead the Southern Lehigh boys’ soccer team to win both the Colonial League and District Championships—an achievement the school hadn’t seen in 22 years,” the obituary noted.

Scharper’s family is hoping a new park in Coopersburg will both pay tribute to Ayden’s athleticism and provide a much-needed recreational area for children to enjoy.

“Our area is building homes and developments all over this area, without adding any additional parks for kids to be able to safely access and play,” said Ayden’s mother, Jessica Scharper, in a description published on GoFundMe. “The kids in our neighborhood would have to walk 27 minutes to either Liberty Bell Schools park or a 34 minute walk, plus cross Route 309 to get to Southern Lehigh’s Living Memorial Park. Many roads don’t have sidewalks and are very narrow and unsafe.”

“We need a place where families can gather and children play without needing a car, and we want to make it even more special by adding features that reflect Ayden’s spirit and love for soccer and the community,” she added. “If we are unable to build a new park, proceeds will go towards improving Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park.”

The plans for the proposed park include a playground area, a small soccer field and a dedicated kicking wall.

“The funds raised will go directly toward these improvements—covering construction, equipment, and landscaping—so that the park can become an even more meaningful tribute to Ayden’s life and the joy he brought to others,” said Jessica Scharper.

As of Monday, nearly $25,000 had been raised by the campaign toward a goal of $30,000.

To make a contribution or learn more, visit the GoFundMe campaign page.