Computer image of new playground equipment for Abner Gibbs. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – The Community Preservation Committee voted last week to fund $10,000 for new playground equipment for the Abner Gibbs Elementary School.
The request was presented by Abner Gibbs Principal Stacy Burgess and members of the Parent Teachers Organization, who said they would match the amount with $10,000 they raised on their own during a year of fundraising efforts.
In her application, which Burgess said Chief Financial Officer Ronald R. Rix helped her to write, the principal called Abner Gibbs a second home to 225 Westfield Public School students.
Burgess said the playground currently consists of one small play structure that is over 20 years old. “The structure is deteriorating. The handles on part of the structure are becoming loose, and the metal parts are beginning to rust,” Burgess wrote, adding that she and the Abner Gibbs PTO wanted to add some additional elements to the existing playground.
“Adding additional components to our playground would allow more children accessibility to playground equipment instead of all using the one structure we currently have,” said Burgess.
In describing the school, Burgess said 70% of the school population receives free and reduced lunch, and the number continues to increase.
“Children come to Abner Gibbs after school and on weekends to use the playground. The community is in need of recreational space that provides opportunities for play and physical movement,” Burgess told the CPC committee.
Burgess said the $10,000 they raised on their own came from fundraisers specifically designed to raise money for the playground, in addition to annual fundraisers and money from their savings account.
One of the fundraisers was a “Penny War,” where students brought in pennies to fill a bucket in their classrooms. She said each penny added a point, and silver coins took away points from other classrooms.
Another fundraiser they initiated was a play challenge, where children got sponsors for each piece of equipment. They also raised money from a holiday shop and vendor fair, and added a photo booth and bake sale to a school dance to raise money for the equipment.
The PTO also did a community drive, with a GoFundMe page and letters to community leaders and area businesses. “We did quite a bit of fundraising on our own,” Burgess said.
Abner Gibbs Elementary School Principal Stacy Burgess. (WNG File Photo)
Burgess said the suggestion to apply for a grant from the CPC came from Councilor Matt Emmershy, who was asked along with the rest of the City Council to donate to the playground.
Emmershy said that one of the CPC’s goals is to expand and improve recreational opportunities. “I couldn’t think of a more worthy project than what they’re looking to do there,” he said.
CPC Vice chair Joe Muto, who chaired last week’s meeting, said the committee took into consideration the 50% match with funds raised through the PTO. “For us, that’s a show of effort,” he said.
City Planner Jay Vinskey said there was some discussion at the CPC meeting about the anticipated future closure of the 105-year-old school. Abner Gibbs is expected to close and students to merge with Franklin Avenue School after the completion of a building and expansion project, which is currently in the initial phase with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). At a recent community informational meeting on the project, Rix said if everything goes smoothly, the newly refurbished school could open as soon as 2023.
Both Burgess and Emmershy agreed there was some reluctance at the meeting due to the impending school closure. Emmershy said a new school is four to five years out at a minimum, if everything goes smoothly.
“Five years is a whole school career. The playground could remain for the neighborhood,” Burgess said.
Muto said the equipment could also be relocated. He said he remembered taking his kids when they were small after school and on weekends to play at Highland Elementary.
“With the effort by students, faculty and parents to raise the money, (I know) they will keep an eye on the equipment,” Muto said.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski is fully in support of the project, and agreed that closing Abner Gibbs and moving the students into the newly refurbished Franklin Avenue Elementary School is several years away. “In the meantime, while we’re waiting for that process, I certainly feel that students need a functional playground. We appreciate the support of the CPC,” Czaporowski said.
Burgess said they have chosen a company, UltiPlay Parks and Playgrounds, Inc. out of Uxbridge, and selected the playground pieces they want. She said they had hoped that the project would get done over the summer for the fall opening, but they need to wait for City Council approval.
“It will definitely be in place by the spring,” Burgess said.
Emmershy said he is going to try to go for immediate consideration at a special meeting over the summer. “I have to speak to a couple of other councilors to take action on it,” he said.
“I’m excited about it. I’m really looking forward to it,” Burgess said, adding that the PTO has been talking about this for a long time.
