New Playground at C.V. Starr Intermediate

🛝Brewster Central School District administrators, recess monitors, facilities staff and students gathered Tuesday to officially open the new, accessible playground at C.V. Starr Intermediate School.

The playground includes arching spider webs, four different colored slides, 12 swings, ninja pads, a climbing wall, sensory activity instrumental panels, steps and bridges.

“The design and vision of the playground was a team effort,” explained Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Maggie McCabe-Andriello who was the Principal of C.V. Starr during the planning phase.

“We met with and got feedback from our occupational therapists, physical therapists, physical education teachers, counselors, recess monitors, staff, parents and our students.”

“This playground checks all of the boxes,” said C.V. Starr Occupational Therapist Lindsay Strassburg. “There are rock wall and rope structures for overall body strength and motor planning skills, ninja pads and a balance beam for balance, a sound garden which is easily accessible for all students and develops hand-eye coordination and auditory feedback, slides and swings for vestibular input which are essential for developing balance and spatial orientation. We just cannot wait for our students to explore, learn, and grow on the new playground.”

Two of the students who helped the team have a bird’s eye view of the new playground from their classroom.

“I helped out too,” said student Ryan Libal, “I wanted swings for kids who can’t push themselves.”

“I picked the color blue for the slide, " said Andrew Taormina, “I’m so excited.”

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of the community which allows us to enrich and differentiate experiences for all students,” said Dr. Michelle Gosh.

The only thing left for C.V. Starr students is better weather. The day of the ribbon cutting and official opening of the playground was slated for indoor recess.