Morse Playground Revamp To Begin This Summer

W.L. Morse School, which will house the Union Free District of the Tarrytowns' first and second graders beginning in fall 2010, may also have a new playground ready by September.

The district's Board of Education and the village's Board of Trustees have been discussing plans to enhance the area for a few months.

"It was actually kind of a perfect storm," said village administrator Anthony Giaccio about the smooth planning process.

At last Thursday's school board meeting and this Tuesday's trustee meeting, the proposal was approved.

"We're very excited," said district superintendent Howard Smith. "It's a great collaboration."

The school district hopes to create a more age-appropriate play area for younger incoming students, while the village is pleased the Beekman Avenue-facing elements will create a communal feeling on its main street.

"We felt it would be benefit the downtown," said Giaccio. "It will beautify the area so more people will come and bring their families."

According to Giaccio, the area's construction is slated to start within the next two weeks.

The school's lower asphalt parking lot, located adjacent to North Washington Street, will be pulled up and replaced with a softer play area for younger students.

"It will be about the size of a small soccer field," said Smith.

Other softer surfaces, landscaping and park-like additions including benches and a community garden will face Beekman Avenue, creating a more inviting atmosphere.

"It's really going to green up the area," said Smith, "and it will be child and family friendly."

The Sleepy Hollow Downtown Revitalization Corporation (SHDRC), which has been working to improve the appearance of the village's downtown area, provided a $25,000 grant to fund the majority of the project.

Additionally, the village's Department of Public Works will provide the work needed to remove pavement and other labor-intensive services.

Smith said the board had planned a smooth transition for the change in school venues, and noted the playground costs are "well within the budget."

"The goal is to have it functional by the beginning of the school year," he said.

The current Morse playgraound is expected to remain open to the community throughout the construction phases. To see the full plans for the playground, view the attached PDF.