Westfield Opens 2 Newly Renovated More Inclusive Playgrounds

WESTFIELD, NJ — Following 8 months of meticulous planning that included more than $135,000 raised from more than 200 generous donors, members of the Westfield community gathered at the Lincoln School Early Childhood Learning Center on Nov. 13 to officially reopen its two playgrounds, newly renovated to provide more accessible play for students of all abilities.

Lincoln parent Erica Witte, who with Laura Skidmore and Reema Thakkar formed “Project Playground” more than a year ago to examine how to bring more accessible playgrounds to Lincoln, noted that playgrounds are “where kids form friendships.”

"The support we felt for this playground was truly overwhelming," Skidmore added, as she thanked donors.

The Project Playground Committee included Rachel Christensen, Carolyn DeGoria, Danielle Giordano, Kristine Gargiulo, Lea Gates, Kim Hurley, Valerie Rubenstein, and Sarah Tobler.

The renovated playground spaces include six new pieces of accessible equipment with special surfacing and pathways. Five Westfield High School students volunteered to design playground signage and communication boards with colorful symbols and illustrations to help children with limited language abilities express themselves.

"The upgrades to our playgrounds are a testament to the values that help to shape our school as a place where everyone is welcome, and all students can play, learn, and grow together," Lincoln principal Dr. Tiffany Jacobson told the gathering. "Inclusivity is not just a word; it is a promise… a promise to our students that they are valued and celebrated for who they are."

On behalf of the Project Playground Committee, Superintendent Dr. Raymond González and Mayor Shelley Brindle presented certificates of appreciation to Project Playground Young Designers Jillian Almendral, Sophia Basaldua, Mahika Dang, Erica Donohue, and Kai Patel.

The certificates commend the young designers for "volunteer work in designing and crafting signage for our playgrounds that has transformed the area into a warm, inclusive haven for the youngest children in our community."

"I am thoroughly impressed, but not at all surprised, by the creativity of the Project Playground student designers," González said. "Thank you for volunteering your time and talent to this endeavor."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was well attended by the Westfield community, as parents and their children enjoyed the new additions to the playgrounds. The Westfield Foundation was the largest donor, awarding a $50,000 grant to Project Playground towards the new accessible equipment.

"During my time with the Westfield Foundation, I’ve stewarded quite a few grants. Project Playground was a very special one for me," said Westfield Foundation trustee Colleen Thorburn, adding that the renovated spaces will benefit the entire Westfield community.

Lincoln parent Staci Acquasanta spoke about the playgrounds’ "boundless possibilities" where
"every child’s dream can take flight."

Project Playground steering committee member Reema Thakkar discussed plans to expand the project to other school playgrounds.

As they prepared to cut the ribbon, the event closed with Project Playground committee members and their children on stage, each youngster quoting a well-loved line. Said one: "Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is simply to include them."

— Westfield Public Schools