PS 41 Update and Upcoming Presentation

On Tuesday morning I met in Councilman Oddo's office with his Chief of Staff Steve Matteo and Marie Carmody-Lafrancesca.

Ms.Akily Shenoy -the Senior Program Associate managing this project for the Trust for Public Land - joined us.

Ms.Shenoy shared one of the potential designs for the renovation of the playground.

The design incorporated many features requested by the students at PS 41.

Based on a review of the design the playground would include:
- creation of a garden area
- a stage with seating area
- a gazebo
- continued use of the existing playground with removal of the fences
- additional play equipment
- three half-court basketball courts
- a small track
- a small soccer area surrounded by trees
- a handball court.

A second design would include all those elements but in a different arrangement.

There is no space for hardball or softball. No place for use by organized leagues.

I was impressed by the design and the commitment of the Trust for Public Land to be sensitive to the needs of the young students and the school's neighbors.

I can understand the neighborhood's nervousness following years of pain prior to the installation of the playground. No one wants to go back to those days.

The current plan will not be a return to those days.

Lastly, at PS41's next PTA meeting there will be a display of the two preliminary designs for the playground. The meeting will be held on Tuesday May 27 at 7pm in the PS41 cafeteria... and you are invited to attend !

You will have an opportunity to view the designs, learn about the Trust for Public Land Playground Program and share your suggestions.

Concerned? Curious? Come to this meeting and put your fears to rest.

- Joe Markowski, NDCCA President