Polk Street School proudly celebrated the opening of its new playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 29.
Designed by H2M, the enhanced outdoor space features modern playground equipment, a gaga ball pit, a rock-climbing wall, shaded seating areas with overhead sails, two tracks, new turf on the baseball field and two new backstops. Students played an active role in the project by reviewing two design concepts and voting for their preferred option.
Special guests in attendance included board of education trustee Domenico Ciaccio, trustee-elect Patrick Amato, Brian Norman from New York State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick’s office, Hawa Bassett from New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages’ office, Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, and Town of Hempstead Councilman Thomas Muscarella.
Students, families and community members gathered to mark the occasion and celebrate the addition of the vibrant new outdoor space for recreation. Principal Gilbert Torossian welcomed attendees to the ceremony, expressing appreciation for their presence and support.
“I am so excited to be here and to cut the ribbon on this amazing playground and field,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jared Bloom said. “Thank you to the board of education and the community for allowing us to do this project.”
“We are honored to continue our collaboration with the Franklin Square Union Free School District, creating impactful environments that foster learning, play and growth for students,” H2M Senior Vice President and Education Market Director Saverio Belfiore said in a statement. “Our recent work on the new playground at Polk Street School exemplifies our commitment to innovative design and delivering spaces that are inclusive, safe and engaging for all students.”
