Tech Students Pitch in with Carmel Playground Construction

Measuring, cutting and hammering are all part of the normal school day for Carpentry and Masonry students at The Tech Center at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES. So when they lent a hand to help rebuild the playground at Kent Elementary School in Carmel, it was business as usual except for one thing — they were doing this job for the kids. “The kids are going to love it!” said Albert Lewis, a senior at Mahopac High School and a Tech student.

“It’s a great thing to be able to help out future generations,” said Albert, who hopes to become a general contractor one day.

Two years ago, Carmel community members began a fundraising effort to rebuild the former playground that once stood between Kent Elementary and Primary Schools. They formed Imagination Station, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation run by parents, former students and community members in order to raise funds and organize volunteers. 

With a reputation for community service and skill, Tech Center students were an obvious choice when the group sought volunteers. Among other things, the students also built saw horses for the project, which began construction this week.

“The students are doing a great job!” said Brittany Pepper, one of the general coordinators of Imagination Station. “It’s a huge help to have such strong volunteers!”

Tech student Angelo Nappi, from Mahopac, said, “It’s great to help the kids, and it’s going to look incredible when it’s finished.”

Zach Stombaugh, a Tech student who grew up in Carmel, said he’s happy to help out with a project in his neighborhood. “I used the old playground when I was a kid, so it’ll be nice to have had a part in building the new one.”