Landing, Gribbin Schools Get New Playgrounds

New playgrounds at two Glen Cove elementary schools are providing students with fresh fun, thanks to two $50,000 grants and community support.

Students, parents and school and government officials gathered at Landing Elementary School Sept. 24 to cut the ribbon on the new playground there, and a similar ceremony is scheduled for Gribbin Elementary School on Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. 

“When people work together for a common cause that is noble and right, great things happen,” said district superintendent Joseph Laria at the Sept. 24 ceremony. He was joined by Landing interim principal Martin Malone and former principal Michael Israel in helping several of the school's students cut the ribbon with the over-sized scissors.

The playground's floor is covered with wood-fiber chips that are a soft and safe alternative to traditonal harder surfaces, according to director of facilities Joseph Fiorino. 

The Landing project was funded by a $50,000 grant secured by former Nassau County Legis. Diane Yaturo, as well as additional fundraising needed to complete the final stages of construction. 

Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi and Legis. Delia DeRiggi-Whitton joined school board members David Huggins and Donna Brady at the Landing ceremony, which was held during the school's welcome-back barbecue.

Brady thanked school monitor Laurie Maher for coordinating two Zumba fundraisers which raised thousands of dollars.

Huggins thanked local landscaper Angelo Stanco for donating blacktop services for the school's basketball courts nearby.