Playtime for students at a Rochdale middle school is about to become more fun.
City officials and community leaders broke ground on a new playground at Catherine and Count Basie Middle School 72, located at 133-25 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., last Tuesday afternoon.
The ceremony kicked off reconstruction for the $2.5 million project, which is expected to finish by next April.
“A playground is a vital element of a child’s education. If it’s neglected, not only will it decay, but our young men and women’s minds and bodies will do the same,” said Councilman Ruben Wills. “The playground at Catherine and Count Basie had been lacking in upkeep for more than a decade, and its dilapidated condition came to attract attention from negative influences.”
The redesigned playground will come with a slew of new features and amenities, including a synthetic field with a 3-track lane, outdoor classroom and amphitheater and interchangeable basketball and volleyball court.
