Newbridge Road Elementary now open for play

For several years, all that has stood on grounds of Newbridge Road Elementary School in North Bellmore was the skeleton of a playground from years ago, but that all changed recently. On March 30, children and parents alike watched as the ribbon was cut away to open a new playground at the site, an accomplishment that was two years in the making.

The old playground had been damaged over time, and much of it had to be removed out of concern for students' safety, Principal Marilyn Hirschfield said. All that remained were platforms of the old playground where children used to gather to sit and talk.

Hirschfield said the project was a community effort supported by the North Bellmore Board of Education and local elected leaders. The Board of Education approved plans for it more than two years ago, and funds were secured from the County Community Revitalization Project. Donations from local businesses helped to get the project under way.

As soon as snow was cleared from the area in early March, the community got to work to clear the old playground’s remains. Larson Home Improvements helped to dismantle the site, as did the Bellmore Fire Department Technical Training Team. The fire department took the chance to practice using heavy machinery if ever necessary in a rescue. Money and plants were donated so that the area around the playground could be landscaped when the weather warms up.

The PTA helped raise funds for the project and made sure that all those who showed up to help with the initial cleanup were well-fed. The fire department allowed the PTA to set up food and beverages in the Vamps Club nearby throughout construction.

The playground is the only one for local children to enjoy, Hirschfield noted. They previously had to travel to parks further away, but now have one in their backyard. “We were very proud that this playground is the only local playground in the community,” Hirschfield said.

To celebrate the unveiling of the playground, nearly 400 students sang the Newbridge Road School song and danced. The students could not have been more excited about the arrival of the new playground, Hirschfield said. “They’re very concerned that it’s taken care of and everybody treats it properly,” she added.

After the ceremony ended and the students had a few days to enjoy the new playground, Hirschfield said, she received many comments from the students about how much they enjoy it. One young student ran up to the principal to tell her that the new playground was “awesome,” she said. ““He was just shivering with excitement.”