Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy cuts the ribbon at the grand opening celebration. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – Abner Gibbs Elementary school celebrated the grand opening of its new playground at a brief ceremony at the end of the day Nov. 8.
Although installed in early October, Principal Stacy Burgess and Parent Teacher Organization President Janet Gebel thought it was important for the school and the children to thank the people who made the playground possible.
“We are so fortunate at Abner Gibbs to get a new playground,” said Burgess during a short assembly with the students before everyone headed outside. She thanked Gebel and all of the members of the PTO, who she said “worked so hard.”
Abner Gibbs PTO President Janet Gebel and State Rep. John C. Velis. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Burgess also thanked the Community Preservation Committee and City Planner Jay Vinskey for a donation of $10,000 to the new playground equipment, matching the amount raised by the PTO, and making the project possible. She also introduced Ward 2 Councilor and Acting Mayor Ralph J. Figy and state Rep. John C. Velis, who both personally donated to the playground.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski invited Velis, as one of the district’s biggest supporters, to say a few words.
Kids swarm the new playscape following the ceremony. (Photo by Amy Porter)
“To see the smiles on your faces, that is what my job is all about,” said Velis, before reading a Citation from the House of Representatives, commemorating the playground opening.
“Please do me a favor and enjoy the playground and everything on it,” he said to the children.
Everyone then filed out of the school and gathered on the playground. Czaporowski did a countdown, and Figy cut the ribbon to cheers from the crowd, before the children climbed onto the new equipment.
