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"This was an amazing, community-centered project from the very beginning," Elmsford Schools Superintendent Joseph Ricca said. "I believe the genesis came about after conversations with community members in the fall of 2013 related to our great need for a playground for our students at Dixson Primary."
Ricca met with Greenburgh Community Resources Commissioner William Carter in the fall and discussed ways the schools and village might partner (Theodore D. Young Community Center and schools) to support local children.
"I spoke with the commissioner about our need for a playground, and months later the commissioner reached out and connected me with KaBOOM!," Ricca said. "We began the grant application process, and after several weeks and several interviews, we were thrilled to learn that we were selected as a recipient of the grant."
Regeneron joined the project with funding, and Mayor Robert Williams and members of the village Board of Trustees and various departments volunteered their time. The community contributed volunteers along with donations from local businesses and private residents, parents/guardians and other entities, Ricca said.
"The energy and enthusiasm for the venture was immediately apparent," Ricca said. "Volunteers have been tremendous and have worked tirelessly to prepare for Build Day. Without a doubt, this has been the epitome of a community project. With the support of the Board of Education and the educational community, we have prepared for the big day and my thanks and appreciation are limitless. The words 'thank you' are simply not enough to capture our appreciation for the outpouring of support."
The playground is the first built by Regeneron and KaBOOM! The design of the playground is based on the schoolchildren’s drawings created at a special design event in April.
The kickoff ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m., and work will run through the morning for those who wish to view the construction. The day will end with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m.
The Carl L. Dixson Primary School is at 22 S. Hillside Ave.
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