Although school doesn’t start until next week, recess is already in session.
About 30 kids with their parents were among the first to try out the new playground at the new Jennings School last week.
“We want this playground and school to be the hub of the neighborhood,” Jennings Principal Laurelle Texidor said.
The playground, which includes slides, jungle gyms, and two tike-sized rock climbing walls, is part of the $36.7 million construction of Jennings School that has taken place over the past three years.
The state will reimburse the city 78 percent of the construction costs. The playground is built on top of a rubber fire-retardant material designed to lessen impact should a child fall off an apparatus.
“They did an awesome job,” said Gevaisa General, a parent of a Jennings School student.
Jordan Chappelle, a member of the New London High School class of 2008 who is attending the University of New Haven, was also impressed.
“This playground is beautiful,” she said.
School officials and community members are also determined to keep the playground as pristine as possible.
“The kids are blessed to have this,” Board of Education member Anthony Nolan said. “We should come together and adopt this playground.”
General expressed concern that the playground will fall victim to litter and vandalism. “People that live in this neighborhood should call the authorities if they see someone in here after dark,” she said. “Children shouldn’t be here then.
“We paid for this school with our tax dollars,” General added. “It’s our school.”
The Rev. L. David Cornish of Mount Moriah Fire Baptized Holiness Church suggested the school institute a “playground patrol” and reward students for working to keep the playground clean.
“We should keep this beautiful,” he said.