An Elementary School Without A Playground? Ferrara Has A New One!

EAST HAVEN, CT —It's been a long road, but in the end, with the bright blue, modern playground at Ferrara Elementary School beckoning all to come and play, the work to see it realized was all worth it, especially as seen through the eyes of the kids — and grownups, too —enjoying it.

It was hard to tell who was more excited Friday, Ferrara Elementary principal Paul DeBernardo or the kids. Even the mayor and board of ed chair had a go on the slide, well, in the case of the mayor, an almost slide.

"Today marks the day we officially say 'thank you' to the community members that have supported us in a variety of ways, from planning, financially, and morally and especially all the encouragement," DeBernardo said. "We just wanted to have a very specific time to say 'thank you' to the board, the superintendent, the mayor, pupil services, building and grounds, and just everyone that was involved. It was a true collaborative effort."

East Haven schools superintendent Erica Forti agreed about the collaborative effort involved in seeing the day come that a new playground would be installed for the students at Ferrara.

"The Ferrara playground project is the result of a wonderful collaboration on behalf of kids," she said. "Input from teachers, parents, students, BOE, and town officials resulted in an incredible outdoor space for children to play, have fun, and enjoy the benefits of physical activity."

Board chair Michele DeLucia that said it was a "privilege" to have worked on the project.

"On behalf of the East Haven Board of Education it was a privilege to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Ferrara School community and mayor’s office on the Ferrara playground," she said. "It was a pleasure to attend today’s celebration of this project coming to fruition, and see the excited smiling faces of our students."

East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, being a good sport, wedged himself inside a slide for a photo opp.

"This is just a great day for these students, and for East Haven," he said. "When people work together, good things happen."

It wasn't easy to get quotes from kids, but Patch did manage to get a bunch of thumbs-up.