The loss of a loved one is a tragedy every person will endure at one point in life and each person deals with the sorrow in different ways. When Jeremy “Boo” Rochman died in a car accident at age 19, his father Barrett Rochman picked a unique way to remember his son. He created a public park in honor of Jeremy.
One of Jeremy’s hobbies was the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons, D & D for short. In this game, a person would create a character to be used in various made-up adventures. It is make-believe with pen and paper. Players would sometime use small painted figurines as props. This gave Barrett an idea. He would create a park with a Dungeons and Dragons theme with a life-size recreation of Jeremy’s figures.
Barrett purchased some land and set out to create the Jeremy “Boo” Memorial Park. Other names include Boo Castle Park or simply D & D Park.
The park formally opened in 1993 in Carbondale, Illinois, and since then has become a family favorite for people to see. It is a place where forget about the modern world even if for just a little while.
Just off of No Name Rd, visitors are greeted by a wizard and a lion who look like it is enjoying a much-earned nap
Around the grounds is a sleeping dragon that does not mind if it is climbed upon. It too looks like it could use a much-earned nap.
This dragon seems to be showing off its best Loch Ness monster impersonation. Sorry, Charlie, only one Nessie is needed.
The park’s main attraction is the castle with its two gargoyles that are stone serious about their guard duties.
Feel free to explore the park but please respect the rules and other guests. Visitors would not want to end up like this poor fellow in his cage.
So, when all the exploring is done, and the castle walls have been protected don’t forget to take a rest on the throne and give your pet dragon some attention.
The park is privately owned, and the upkeep is from donations alone. So don’t forget to drop in a few gold coins from the treasury or maybe just a few dollars from your wallet or purse.
Looking for more places that are close to Boo Park? There is the Popeye statue in Chester, Illinois and the Superman statue and museum in Metropolis, Illinois.
Just remember to fill up the car’s tank with gas and your body’s tank with snacks before you set out on the next Day Trip 100.
What a lovely tribute and and interesting space!
This is so interesting! My husband loves D&D and would love to visit this park
I love the detail on the dragon and his loch ness look. What a wonderful tribute!
A magical attraction I’d never heard about. Sounds like a dreamy adventure.