Principal Kevin Andrews announced three projects to improve recreation at Nahant’s Johnson Elementary School on Friday.
A new playground, rock-climbing area, and bike trail extending from the Heritage Trail to the school are all slated to become additions in the future.
“It is an ongoing effort to make the school the best it can be,” Andrews said.
The city granted Andrews and the school two $20,000 Community Preservation Act grants to use as the primary sources of funding for both the rock-climbing structure and the bike trail. For the playground, Andrews is working with lifelong resident and Johnson School alumnus Gennaro Angiulo, who he credits as a driving force who made the project happen.
Earlier this week, Angiulo and his company, G/J Towing and Recovery, were able to disassemble and store equipment from a playground that was located at the town’s recently demolished Coast Guard Housing.
“I remember playing on that playground and (Andrews) said, ‘They’re going to dismantle it and destroy it,’” Angiulo said. “I said, ‘I’ll go there and disassemble it right away so they don’t wreck it or bend it and I’ll store it away and when we’re ready for it, we’ll be ready for it.’”
The equipment includes two swing-set frames, a 10-foot stainless-steel slide, two sit-on spring riders, and a ladder-like climbing structure. Johnson and Angiulo will have the equipment restored and refurbished before installing it on the property.
Angiulo said that the quality and durability of the Coast Guard Housing playground facilities were a big factor in the decision to use them.
“Everything you buy today is plastic, wood, or disposable. They don’t make anything forever anymore,” Angiulo said. “Nothing is forever with the weather in Nahant, but this is pretty darn close.”
Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi said he is excited for these upcoming additions, and gave full credit to Andrews for his efforts to try to improve the school.
“I’m appreciative for the time and effort that Principal Andrews put into the concept of continuously improving the Johnson Elementary School,” Pierantozzi said.
