Work started on September 8th and by September 19th Claremont Ave School #20’s  new playground was complete. The blue and yellow playground features four slides, monkey bars, and several other amenities.

It was Mayor McCormac’s idea to build the new playground for Claremont and for years the project was delayed.  The reason for the delay was tight budget restraints. The project was finally approved and with the help of Mayor McCormac and the Township Council the construction of the new playground began on September 8, 2014.   The cost was approximately $100,000 and the School District paid for the installation.  The playground was completed on September 19, 2014.

Dennis DeMarino, Business Administrator/Board Secretary of the Woodbridge Township Board of Education, who was in charge of overseeing the project, stated the following about the design of the overall project: “They wanted something modern and stylish that would fit with the surrounding neighborhood.”  The playground consists of four slides, monkey bars, a small climbing wall,  and multiple free-standing activities, all of which are displayed in the Claremont School colors of blue and gold.

The playground is located outside the doors of the kindergarten classrooms. When speaking with Melissa Lewert, a third grade teacher at the school, she shared her opinion of the playground’s location: “it’s by the street where parents park so it’s easy for both parents and teachers to see the children.”  Lewert also stated that she does not think it will be a distraction to higher level students because its not very visible from other classrooms.

Safety and well-being are definitely at risk when you combine kids and a new playground, but Lewert said she “ doesn’t have any worries for the new playground as long as the kids play safe.” Lewert also said, “The new playground is beautiful and the kids seem to love it.”

Of course, “with any school playground, after hours is a ‘play at your own risk’ policy,” DeMarino stated. The Township Parks Department is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the new playground.

Fourth grader Julia Pagnozzi stated, “I like playing on it in the morning, but I would have enjoyed it more if they put it in earlier since I am a 4th grader. I only have 2 years with it.”