ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Many neighbors in Rochester Hills continue processing the moments happening around a mass shooting at a splash pad in a public park on Auburn Road.
Some say an overwhelming sense of concern is hovering across the community after Saturday’s (June 15) shooting incident, where nine people were injured.
“I’m concerned about the children,” said Rosie Chapman as she walked near the park.
Some families are stunned.
“Pure sadness,” said Kathy Gaisor. “I feel very sorry for the families. That really upsets me having grandchildren.”
The shooting victims’ ages range from four to 78 years old.
“It’s one thing when it’s strictly adults,” said Kristina Lane as she took a brief break from bike riding with her stepdaughter. “When kids are involved. It’s just sad, you know.”
There’s a sense of trauma among some community members. Some neighbors say they can’t shake it.
“We did go to that splash pad before, but I won’t go back,” Gaisor said. “I hope they tear it down.”
Rosie Chapman is a retired social worker who stopped by the splash pad to reflect.
The park was a gathering place for some of her former students, and she wondered why the suspect targeted the park and its people.
Chapman said, “I’m concerned about the kid’s mental health and about their fear of what could happen to them at any time at a park, not at a big party or somewhere you’d think there are people shooting people, but right here near their homes. Near their school.”
The violent shooting has some neighbors wondering what to do.
“Right now, in this type of world that we live in, no matter what you do,” Lane said. “You could be in danger at any point in your life. How do you stop that? I don’t know if you can.”
Some neighbors said they moved to Rochester Hills because it was a safe, small town.
Gaisor said that sense of security has been disturbed.
“Things have changed,” Gaisor said. “It’s really gut-wrenching.”
The Oakland Community Health Network is ensuring resources are available for residents to discuss their concerns.
The OCHM is working with Oakland County to set up a Family Assistance Center at the Rochester Hills Department of Public Services at 511 E. Auburn Road.
This week, licensed counselors will be available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary.
For more information about mental health resources available after the shooting, visit OCHN’s website at www.oaklandchn.org.