Franklin Elementary School Playground Project
Rahway Public Schools
Franklin Elementary School in Rahway recently unveiled its new early childhood playground, a project that has been years in the making. The playground was funded through the preschool expansion grant that the district received.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on November 15, 2023, and was attended by several of the district’s administrators, as well as 6 classes of prekindergarten and kindergarten children. The school’s Principal Dr. Patrick Holness, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Aleya Shoieb, and Director of Early Childhood Education Mr. Mykel Brooks shared some exciting words before cutting the ribbon.
“We are so excited to unveil our new early childhood playground,” said Dr. Holness. “This project has been a long time in the making, and we are so grateful to the Department of Early Childhood Education for their support.”
Mr. Brooks shared that he was excited to be able to help provide a safe space for children 5 and under to play. “The old playground that was there was not age-appropriate,” he said. “This one is much better for this age group.”
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, each prekindergarten and kindergarten class had a designated time slot to explore the playground’s many features. Their laughter echoed through the air as they tried out their new playground, and their faces lit up with excitement as they engaged in play. This special day was made even more memorable by the opportunity for everyone to enjoy the new playground.
“This is a great day for our district,” said Dr. Shoieb. “We are committed to providing our students with the best possible learning environment, and this new playground is a major step in that direction.”
The new playground features a variety of age-appropriate equipment, including a climbing structure, slides, a little house, and a roadway with trikes that goes around the whole structure.
“We are so grateful to the preschool expansion grant that made this project possible,” said Dr. Holness. “This new playground will be a valuable asset to our school for years to come.”
“I am very excited to see this project come to fruition. The Building and Grounds department was a huge help in getting this project off the ground, and I am proud of the work that we have accomplished,” said Mr. Ed Kushpa, Building and Grounds Manager. “I am especially excited to see the students playing on the race track that circles the structure. It’s great to see them enjoying it and having fun.”
Photos by Rahway Public Schools
