• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • My Account
  • Subscribe
  • Log In
Itemlive

Itemlive

North Shore news powered by The Daily Item

  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • Police/Fire
  • Government
  • Obituaries
  • Archives
  • E-Edition
  • Help
This article was published 1 year(s) and 11 month(s) ago
Genarro Angiulo positions the second boulder in the Forest Playground as Johnson School students and teachers watch. (Emma Fringuelli) Purchase this photo

A rock-solid playground in Nahant

Anthony Cammalleri

September 29, 2023 by Anthony Cammalleri

NAHANT — A group of elementary-school students erupted in applause behind the Johnson School this week as they watched G/J Carting Inc. owner Gennaro Angiulo use a large forklift to transport two massive boulders from a construction site to the school’s Forest Playground.

Roughly five years ago, Principal Kevin Andrews noticed that children enjoyed playing in the wooded area located on a downward slope behind the school. In an effort to transform the area into a natural playground for imaginative play, the school filled the area with wooden play stumps and added more than 100 native species of plants.

“When I came, I did notice the slope and the flat space down there and these tall trees that are just gorgeous. Kids love going out there to have what I call imaginative play, so they can make their own play. They can go into a little spot, collect some rocks or some bark, and make a house for a little pretend fairy or something — it’s pretty great,” Andrews said.

When Andrews saw two large boulders being excavated from a construction site across the street, he called Bob Donovan of Donovan Construction, who offered him the enormous rocks as natural play structures for the school.

Angiulo, whose son attends preschool at Johnson, offered to transport the boulders to the playground for free.

“He said he was happy to help, and we’re very grateful. They’re going to be here forever, they don’t wear away, and kids love to climb boulders,” Andrews said.

As Angiulo’s forklift set a boulder on the ground, the children yelled with excitement, eager to play.

“You can take sticks and put them on the rocks and make a fort,” fourth-grade student Tommy Carromero said. “They will be good to climb on.”

Fourth-grade student Madison Doucette added that she was excited to climb, sit, and read on the new boulders.

“You can climb on it and you can relax on it too,” Doucette said. “You’re not wasting any material and it’s a beautiful rock.”

  • Anthony Cammalleri
    Anthony Cammalleri

    Anthony Cammalleri is the Daily Item's Lynn reporter. He wrote for Performer Magazine from 2016 until 2018 and his work has been published in the Boston Globe as well as the Westford Community Access Television News.

    View all posts

Related posts:

No related posts.

Primary Sidebar

Advertisement

Sponsored Content

Solo Travel Safety Hacks: How to Use eSIM and Tech to Stay Connected and Secure in Australia

How Studying Psychology Can Equip You To Better Help Your Community

Solo Travel Safety Hacks: How to Use eSIM and Tech to Stay Connected and Secure in Australia

Advertisement

Upcoming Events

“WIN” Wine Tasting Mixer at Lucille!

October 9, 2025
Lucille Wine Shop

1st Annual Cornhole Tournament

September 18, 2025
Old Tyme Italian Cuisine

1st Annual Lynn Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival presented by Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce

September 27, 2025
Blossom Street, Lynn,01905, US 89 Blossom St, Lynn, MA 01902-4592, United States

2025 Clock to the Rock 5K & Block Party

September 20, 2025
Central Sq, Lynn, MA 01901, United States

Footer

About Us

  • About Us
  • Editorial Practices
  • Advertising and Sponsored Content

Reader Services

  • Subscribe
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Activate Subscriber Account
  • Submit an Obituary
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Daily Item Photo Store
  • Submit A Tip
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions

Essex Media Group Publications

  • La Voz
  • Lynnfield Weekly News
  • Marblehead Weekly News
  • Peabody Weekly News
  • 01907 The Magazine
  • 01940 The Magazine
  • 01945 The Magazine
  • North Shore Golf Magazine

© 2025 Essex Media Group