Not A Mirage: An Oasis At McKinley In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ - An oasis in its figurative sense is defined as a peaceful respite where a person can feel safe and secure. Add fun to the equation and you’ve got the Oasis at McKinley Elementary School, a multi-year project that is nearing completion.

“We took a run-down area of our exterior and brightened it up,” said McKinley Principal Marc Biunno. “We gave the area much needed updates that excite our students and the community.”

Phase I of the Oasis project was completed during the 2017-2018 school year and included work on the blacktop (fixing cracks and repaving/resealing the asphalt) before painting a walking track, colored Four Square game areas, and random lines meandering in bright yellows, reds, and blues to encourage creative play.

“If you spend enough time at recess, you realize that ‘play’ is often totally random and creative,” Biunno said. “Bushes aren’t bushes -- they are a kingdom. Walls aren’t walls -- they’re play partners. Those lines? No clue what they’ll be for the kids but I’m sure they’ll figure something out.”

Fencing, graded grass areas and new landscaping rounded out Phase I, with the focus this year now on Phase II.

“Everyone is excited for the next step which is to add a playground apparatus and finish the landscaping,” said Biunno.

Biunno said he is grateful to the McKinley Parent-Teacher Organization which held various successful fundraisers to help pay for the renovation that is now an oasis for McKinley students to enjoy.

(Photo #1 caption: McKinley then-3rd graders align themselves last spring with newly painted lettering on the blacktop of the elementary school’s new Oasis. Photo courtesy of the Westfield School District.)

(Photo #2 #3 caption: A walking track, colored Four Square game areas, and random lines meandering in bright yellows, reds, and blues to encourage creative play are among the features of a new “Oasis” area at McKinley Elementary School. Photo courtesy of the Westfield School District.)

Thanks for reading! Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com