NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Students from five New Rochelle elementary schools will have new playgrounds to enjoy in the 2017-2018 school year.
The Board of Education has approved $2,582,600 in contracts to install new playgrounds at Barnard, Webster, Trinity, Columbus and Jefferson elementary schools. The upgrades include new playground equipment, improved grounds and concrete, and asphalt replacement.
The renovations are expected to be completed in the fall. The school board has also approved $226,000 for a cooler and freezer replacement at New Rochelle High School.
Funding for the playgrounds comes from the operating budget and from the $106.5 million capital bond that was approved by voters in May 2016. The City School District of New Rochelle is currently in Phase 2 of the bond construction work, which includes work at New Rochelle High School, Isaac E. Young Middle School and Jefferson Elementary. Athletic spaces at NRHS will also be improved as part of Phase 2, including upgrades to McKenna Field and the addition of two tennis courts.
The Board of Education is expected to approve another $13.5 million in contracts for NRHS and Isaac E. Young Middle School in the coming weeks.
Design has begun on Phase 3 work scheduled for the summer of 2018. Phase 3 involves interior and exterior work at Albert Leonard Middle School, Columbus Elementary and Trinity Elementary, as well as the interiors of Isaac E. Young Middle School and Jefferson Elementary.