Heights Kids Advocate For New Soccer Field, Secure $1M From Local Pols

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY – After embarking on a letter-writing campaign targeting local elected officials – including City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa and Congressman Adriano Espaillat – elementary school students at The Wrights Brothers School on 155th Street have secured $1 million for the construction of a new soccer field next to their school, on space currently occupied by a neglected handball court.

The effort developed out of a hyperlocal activism project.

“The librarian is very passionate about civic engagement, as is the principal,” a spokesperson for Council Member De La Rosa, who represents District 10, told Patch.

“It began as a lesson about civics, who their elected officials are, and what resources might be available to them.”

The students identified the handball court, envisioned a soccer field, and a school librarian, Lauren Ginsberg-DeVilbiss, helped them draft letters to their local representatives to push for capital.

The approach bore fruit.

“Our students deserve safe spaces to play and explore their athletic interests, enhancing their educational experience," said Council Member De La Rosa.

"The students and their administrators learned about the civic engagement process in their efforts by reaching out to our offices and learning about how government budgets function. I’m proud to collaborate with Congressmember Espaillat to use federal and city funding for a new future for P.S. 28."

Council Member De La Rosa contributed $500,000, as did Congressman Espaillat, who represents Washington Heights in the House.

“The community spoke, and we listened,” said Congressman Espaillat. “I was proud to deliver $500,000 in federal funding to create a soccer field at P.S. 28 - The Wright Brothers School located in my district, and a space that will provide recreational opportunities for four schools in the area, while ensuring a safe and healthy place for sports engagement and outdoor activities for young people in our community.”

Although the project was initially estimated to cost $1.39 million, that figure is expected to increase, which means the kids are currently about $500,000 short. Officials seem confident that the remaining capital will materialize, and once these funds are in place, the construction process is expected to take several years.

“The kids are really excited,” said the spokesperson for Council Member De La Rosa’s office.

“This was something that they lobbied for, it was their idea, and they’ll get something physical, something tangible.”