LYNNFIELD — Summer Street School PTO President Sarah Kelley and Vice President Jenny Sheehan have spearheaded the campaign for playground renovations at the school, as the current playground has not been updated in 21 years.
Design meetings were held with school staff to determine the playground’s needs, and an estimate was developed before the duo spoke with the town about a partnership.
Kelley noted that Sheehan had worked on grant applications, but none have been approved so far.
“We also then worked with the School Committee to create a sponsorship program… in order to help with our fundraising efforts,” Kelley said.
The fundraising website was launched in January, and in four months, the fundraising was completed.
She gave credit to Principal Karen Cronin, Superintendent Tom Geary, Director of Student Services Jennifer O’Connell, and “every possible person in the Summer Street School.”
A major reason for the renovations is that the school’s Differentiated Learning Program, a higher-level needs program under the special education department, uses the playground, and the current playground is not ADA-compliant and lacks appropriate equipment to support all students’ needs.
Sheehan noted that Rep. Brad Jones was also able to secure $100,000 in state aid to go along with the private funding, which totaled over $100,000.
She added that there were more than 100 unique donors for the fundraiser, including 27 sponsors who will be featured on a sign at the new playground.
Community groups that showed support include A Healthy Lynnfield, Lynnfield Mom’s Group, SSS PTO, Friends of Lynnfield Rec, Townscape Lynnfield, Lynnfield Rotary, and Lynnfield Little League.
Sheehan said the total fundraising amount came to $102,703, and the ribbon-cutting is expected at the end of August to open on the first day of school.
Kelley then presented a gift donation from the PTO of $64,927.54 to the town in support of, and for the sole use of, the Summer Street School Playground Renovation project, which was unanimously accepted by the Board pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53A.
