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It's true that tragedy often spurs action. And sometimes that action can create the impetus for positive change in a neighbourhood or community that has seen more than its fair share of adversity.

Such is the case at Scarborough's Wilcox Creek Housing Co-operative, which has seen the community and a host of volunteers mobilize to create something positive out of a senseless tragedy.

Community members, local businesses and everyday residents in the Malvern community joined forces last week to build a new play area from the ground up to provide local children a safe place to be themselves. The project has been in the works since last year; borne out of a senseless crime that killed 25-year-old Michael George, a young man with a bright future. He was shot in 2007 as he got out of his car to visit his girlfriend at the co-op housing facility. His murder remains unsolved.

George's killing, like so many attributed to gun violence in this city in the last several years, was unexpected and unnecessary.

The new playground for local children being dedicated in the budding hip-hop singer's name will serve to remind the community about the life of a promising young man cut short, but also about the futility of gun violence.

Settling scores, or responding to a perceived lack of respect with a firearm, is the height of cowardice. George's murderer, presumably waiting in the shadows, ambushed the young man as he exited his car. George likely had no idea what awaited him and no opportunity to defend himself.

This mindless act resembles so many others that have killed young men in Toronto and, again, has all the hallmarks of plain, unadorned cowardice.

It is the innocent victims of these acts that are our community heroes. Michael George's memory and spirit will live on in the community through this new playground. It will be a place of peace and security for neighbourhood children to enjoy for years to come.

George's killer will always remain anonymous, a nobody. No one will remember him after his brief period of notoriety when he is captured and jailed. Beyond that he will become little more than a number with a prison jumpsuit.

It's true that tragedy often spurs action. In this case, the life of a young man will be kept in memory and his spirit will live on in the carefree laughter of young children in a playground.