MANCHESTER – Last week, Manchester School District and the Crotched Mountain Foundation and CMF Kids officially opened new accessible playground equipment at Bakersville Elementary School.
The District received a $300,000 grant from the Crotched Mountain Foundation last fall for new equipment at both Bakersville and Gossler Park Elementary Schools. The new equipment will create a more inclusive play environment by meeting the needs of the schools’ special education population.
“Our students are all unique individuals who come to us with a variety of needs,” said Bakersville Principal Kate DiBenedetto. “For the students of Bakersville, we will hope to increase opportunities for self-regulation, movement and engagement with the curriculum in a variety of ways. This grant will help ensure we are in a better space to provide those opportunities to our youngest learners.”
Bakersville received new equipment first, as it was already set for new play structures as part of the city’s Parks and Recreation upgrade cycle. The new equipment, which was installed this fall, includes typical slides, swings and climbing structures in addition to accessible items. The design, down to the solid, rubberized play surface, is intended to bring together students of all abilities.
“Crotched Mountain Foundation and CMF Kids believe the joy of play is for all children of all abilities, said Melissa White, Executive Director of CMF Kids. “We are proud to have made this new playground a reality for the students of Bakersville Elementary School and the community as a whole.”
With the work at Bakersville now complete, the focus turns to Gossler Park Elementary School. Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel said the collaboration on the playground shows the impact our community has on education when it works together.
“This new space at Bakersville would not be possible without the support of CMF Kids and our continuing partnership with our city’s Parks and Recreation Department,” Chmiel said. “The result is a playground that allows students of all abilities to play and learn together. We are thrilled to see this up and running at Bakersville and eager to get the work under way at Gossler Park.”