ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Rochester Hills residents are marking a somber milestone as they reflect on the mass shooting that rocked their community one year ago at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad.
“Everybody goes there frequently,” said Rochester Hills resident Leigh Coyle, recalling the wave of panic that spread through the community when news of the shooting broke. “It was this outpouring of everybody we knew sending text messages, ‘Were you there?’”
The June 15, 2024, shooting left nine people wounded, including two children, when a gunman opened fire at families at the popular community gathering spot. All victims survived their injuries.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Bryan Barnett emphasized how the community showed strength in the aftermath of the shooting.
“In the immediate aftermath as a community we made a promise – a promise that that act of violence would not define us,” Barnett said.
Barnett appeared on Local 4 Live to discuss how the surrounding neighborhood has rallied around the victims.
“I think in looking back at the way the communities responded, specifically that individual neighborhood, resiliency was on display within hours,” Barnett said. “Neighbors helping neighbors, people who hadn’t met before, going out of their way to contribute in any way possible.”
The Rochester Hills Resiliency Center was created after the tragedy, providing mental health support and community events for those affected. The center continues to serve as a resource for residents processing the emotional impact of the shooting.
The organization has planned events throughout the upcoming week. Details can be found on the non-profit’s Facebook page.
The splash pad is now open for another summer, with new playground equipment and renovations planned for Brooklands Plaza.
“The community has been great,” said resident Brett Alderman. “It’s great to see people back there enjoying themselves again and everyone feeling safe in the area.”