MINETTO, NY – The dream of a new, safe and inclusive playground at Minetto Elementary is finally a reality. The building recently held its grand opening ceremony, complete with a ribbon cutting and declared the space open for official use.
Years of fundraising efforts spearheaded by the Minetto Home and School Association helped launch this project from the planning phase to implementation. The HSA hosted fundraisers, wrote grants to secure funds, and solicited donations from area businesses and community members. Dana Geraci, past president and treasurer of the HSA, was instrumental in the fundraising and grant writing initiatives. Additional money was secured through grants from Kaboom and the Shineman Foundation.
“Through the hard work, dedication and commitment of hundreds, if not thousands of people, we stand here today to celebrate the opening of our brand new, inclusive playground,” said Minetto Elementary Principal Jennifer Sullivan while addressing the crowd at the opening ceremony. “This is a place where everyone will be included, in every aspect of our school. Thank you to every person, group, and organization who played a part in making this a reality.”
The new playground features state-of-the-art inclusive equipment that provides opportunities for all. The playground has ramping and connected features so that all parts are accessible.
“At Minetto, inclusion isn’t what we do, it’s who we are,” she said. “Our philosophy is to meet all the children where they are academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, and help them grow from there. We have a school that reflects these values and needed a playground that does the same. All children deserve the chance to play, learn, and grow together, and this new playground provides that opportunity.”
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