Community rallies to purchase school slide

Students and staff at Barnum Woods Elementary School, East Meadow Union Free School District officials and Legislator Norma Gonsalves joined together at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 30 to display the new, state-of-the-art playground equipment.

The Barnum Woods community banded together to accomplish this task as parents, students, East Meadow organizations and Gonsalves raised funds to replace the rusty slides and swings that were used by the youngest students on a daily basis.

“Everything was done very much for the good of the community,” said Todd Weinstein, who helped advocate for the new, colorful equipment. “This was completely funded through donations and didn’t cost the school district any money.”

According to Weinstein, the equipment cost was about $40,000 and Gonsalves acquired $20,000 from the Community Revitalization Projects fund to put toward the playground. “It certainly is something I’m proud to be able to contribute to in some way,” she said. “I’m glad to make it happen sooner than later. According to Gonsalves, the collection efforts began last year.

Additional funding was provided by the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations, East Meadow Kiwanis, Barnum Woods Student Council bake sales and Tech Mobil owner Peter Holmstedt.

Other influential players included parent organizer Janice Howell, Principal Gregory Bottari, Gym Teacher Don Whearty, Director of School Facilities & Operations Patrick Pizzo and Superintendent of Schools Louis DeAngelo.

Employees in the school district declined to comment.

“In today’s difficult economy, where our schools are facing so many budgetary pressures, it is great to know that with a vision and hard work, our children will benefit for years to come,” said Weinstein. “The new Barnum Woods playground is a beacon in the community to show what can be accomplished when everyone focuses on a common goal.”