Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area at Stanford Unveils Brad’s Park, Honoring the Legacy of Longtime Supporter Brad Lyman

Recreational Space for Families with Critically Ill Children

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ronald McDonald House at Stanford is proud to announce the grand opening of Brad’s Park, a dedicated outdoor space for children and families staying at the House while their children receive life-saving medical care at Bay Area hospitals, including Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on October 5, 2024, marks the completion of a deeply meaningful project inspired by the legacy of longtime supporter Brad Lyman.

Brad Lyman joined the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford board in 2007 and was instrumental in a capital expansion that made the House at Stanford the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world at that time. Over his 15 years of service, Brad raised and contributed more than $47 million to support families. After his sudden passing in March 2022, Brad’s family, friends, and supporters honored his memory by creating Brad’s Park, an outdoor space that reflects Brad’s passion for sports, fitness, and family recreation.

“We are honored to dedicate Brad’s Park in memory of a man who gave so much to this community and the families of RMHC Bay Area,” said Laura Keegan Boudreau, CEO of RMHC Bay Area. “Brad’s leadership, generosity, and love for family are deeply woven into the fabric of this space. This park will provide countless moments of joy and respite for families who need it most.”

Brad’s Park includes a turf field and bleachers, a vegetable garden, a family seating area, and walking paths, offering a place for families to relax and engage in outdoor activities while they navigate the challenges of medical treatment. The park will also feature a small stage for special events and gatherings, ensuring it remains a hub for community connection.

Twinkie Lyman, Brad’s wife, shared during the ceremony, “When Brad joined the board in 2007, this House quickly became his second family. The parents, siblings, and children staying here during such challenging times became his family, as did the staff. Everyone shares a deep compassion and passion for the House. Knowing that Brad’s Park will offer joy and comfort to families for years to come fills my heart with gratitude. It’s a lasting tribute to the impact he had on so many lives.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Brad’s wife, Twinkie, several family members, longtime supporters, and donors to the park. The grand opening celebration featured family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo, face painting, and carnival games, bringing the spirit of fun and community that Brad valued.

Special thanks go to the donors and partners who brought this project to fruition, including RMHC Bay Area donors, Vance Brown Construction, and Truebeck Construction.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area

Our mission at Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area (RMHC Bay Area) is to be there for sick kids and their families, providing comfort and support when and where they need it most. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), we offer no-cost housing, free meals, and comprehensive psychosocial support services for families with children accessing care at the Bay Area’s leading children’s hospitals, including Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland. Additionally, our Chapter operates two Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles that offer free oral health care services to vulnerable children in Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties. The 123-bedroom Ronald McDonald House at Stanford is one of the world’s largest pediatric housing facilities for medically fragile children and their families, offering lodging, daily meals, 24/7 family services in English and Spanish, and innovative family-centered programming, including a distinctive makerspace; a Family Support Services graduate training program that offers 3,000 hours of therapeutic support; an onsite credentialed K-12 school; and more. In 2023, we established the first 7-bedroom Ronald McDonald House Oakland; the Larry C. Tripplett Sr. Family Center is located just steps away from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. For more information, visit rmhcbayarea.org. Follow RMHC Bay Area on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.