Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Official Opening of New Playground at The Phoenix Center

Nutley, NJ –The Phoenix Center, a private school serving students with disabilities, has opened a new playground with support from community donors. More than two years in the planning, the new playground facility features adaptive equipment specifically targeted to the abilities of the students served. With five unique movement zones, the new outdoor playground will be used for both physical education, therapeutic intervention, and instruction.

“Not only is this outdoor play space a great way for our students to build strength, flexibility and coordination, it is a way for them to learn how to build friendships,” said Dr. Geraldine Gibbia, co-founder and Executive Director of The Phoenix Center.

At a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month, Gibbia praised those who help make the dream of a playground come to life. Donors included Columbia Bank Foundation, Hyde and Watson Foundation, Nicholas Martini Foundation, Provident Bank Foundation, Norman and Bettina Roberts Foundation,

“While the children will know only the joy of playing here, the leaders at The Phoenix Center will be forever grateful to those whose time, effort and resources went into making this possible,” she added.

About The Phoenix Center: Founded in 1991, The Phoenix Center serves roughly 145 students from 64 districts and nine New Jersey counties. The Phoenix Center is a state-approved, nationally accredited, not-for-profit school serving the educational, behavioral, and therapeutic needs of students ages five through 21 with autism, multiple disabilities, and behavioral and intellectual disabilities. The Phoenix Center’s customized programs are anchored in a hands-on, real-life, community-based instruction model. Students are placed at The Phoenix Center by their local school district, and they attend at no cost to parents.

For more information, visit http://www.thephoenixcenternj.org or call (973) 542-0743.