Senator Murphy's $40K Grant Gets Van Cortlandt Elementary Outside

From the New York State Senate: Senator Terrence Murphy has given students at Van Cortlandt Elementary School in Mohegan Lake 40,000 reasons to enjoy playing outside again. The freshman Senator provided the school with a $40,000 grant to purchase new playground equipment, which includes specific pieces for children with special needs.

"It is important for children who are still in the development stage to be able to go outside to play, socialize and exercise,' said Senator Murphy. "Kids with special needs are sometimes overlooked. Here they are not. This is now a playground where all kids can play, regardless of their abilities."

The school has over 580 students, with nearly 100 with special needs. In the past, the playground could only accommodate 20 children at a time, so students were only able to get to the playground once a week. With the addition of the new equipment, the school also expanded its playground area, giving students with and without disabilities ample room to play. The school now has equipment and the space to enhance the development of their student's motor skills, strength and fitness.

Photo courtesy of the New York State Senate: Senator Terrence Murphy joins students, faculty and staff at the new playground at Van Cortlandt Elementary School.