Students of P.S. 90 finally have an engaging space to call their own, where they can run, jump, and play, thanks to a new schoolyard through Out2Play.
On Thursday, October 2, Out2Play representatives joined students, staff and faculty of P.S. 90, located 1116 Sheridan Avenue, to the cut ribbon on the much needed playground.
“The future of this city lies in the hands of today’s youth and nurturing their health and development should be a top priority,” said Andrea Wenner, executive director of Out2Play. “Out2Play maintains its resolve to provide school children across the City with safe and stimulating play spaces.”
The once barren yard now features a jungle gym, slides, track, hop scotch court, chess boards, tables and chairs, a jump zone and other blacktop games.
Also present for the celebration was Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the private donors, Steven and Nadine Wenner. The former Borough President Adolfo Carrion had secured the initial public funds for the playground, but the project continued to receive support when Diaz took office.
“It has been my great pleasure to join with Out2Play in an effort to improve the play spaces for our local Bronx students,” said Diaz. “Having this playground will allow these children to enjoy their playtime outside while exercising and improving their health.”
The playground was dedicated to a former kindergarten student, Mmah Bangoura, 5, who died on June 9, 2007. According to Principal Joan Kong, on a hot day Bangoura was searching for a place to play and was headed back to the school when a car hit her, she passed away soon after.
“Today in honor of Mmah the playground was dedicated to her,” said Kong. “Now students of not only P.S. 90, but all children in community, can enjoy a playground where they can be safe. We hope that we will never have another tragedy like Mmah experienced.”
This past summer and spring Out2Play, a non-profit organization, has completed 40 playgrounds throughout the City through the cooperation of public and private funders.
