NEW ROCHELLE, NY — When the students at Trinity Elementary School returned from summer recess, they couldn’t wait to put their school’s brand new playground to the recess test.
The impressively upgraded activity area is situated in Trinity’s back courtyard and includes four slides, an array of horizontal and angled monkey bars and rope- and wall-climbing stations, all erected over a rubberized safety surface. Needless to say, the new playground has sparked the imaginations and enthusiasm of Trinity’s students.
“It’s a multifaceted, 21st century playground and the kids are absolutely loving it,” said Trinity principal Anthony DiCarlo. “It’s utilized non-stop from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., every day and by every grade in our school, K-5.”
The new, modern playground offers students a multisensory experience that goes beyond promoting physical activity. Amongst the slides and climbing apparatus are stationary bongo drums and an oversized xylophone for students to explore rhythm and melody. Altogether, the new facility effectively supports the concept of “learning through play,” which is proven to assist young people in developing their social and cognitive skills and increase self-confidence when engaging with new activities and environments.
“The new playground has also become a focal point of the community,” explained principal DiCarlo. “Every day when parents come to the courtyard for pick-up after school, they are staying an extra half hour, talking with one another and letting their students play together.”
Funded through the district’s operating budget and by monies allotted from the capital bond approved in May 2016, the new playground at Trinity is one of five being installed at elementary schools. The others are Columbus, Jefferson, Henry Barnard Early Childhood Center and Daniel Webster Magnet School. Additional upgrades to the exterior of Trinity Elementary School, also part of the 2016 capital bond project, are scheduled for summer 2018.