Senator Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee is happy to announce, that as a result of a three-way agreement between the Governor, Senate and Assembly, a $75,000 bullet aid grant has been awarded to the Lakeland Central School District. These funds will be used to construct a new playground at the Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.
The current playground at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School is rather small, only capable of holding 75 students at a time. The school itself has over 600 students, so the numbers do not match up. The equipment itself will help prevent childhood obesity by keeping kids active. The “Play On” project at Ben Franklin Elementary School promotes vigorous activity during recess and this playground will be a large part of that. Children will use the equipment to improve their upper body strength, core muscles, cardio and even their balance on some of the obstacles.
“Childhood obesity is an epidemic that we are just beginning to grapple with the reality and consequences of. Physical conditioning is a critical component of a broader education and these early building blocks set the stage for future health. I’m proud to work with this great school to help counteract the ever-growing problem of childhood obesity and diabetes before it starts. This playground will play a large role in that, for this great community” said Senator Greg Ball. “I am glad I was able to help Ben Franklin Elementary School get this funding and will continue to work for schools all across my district to do the same.”
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“We currently only have one very small playground for over 600 students. In 2011 we started fundraising for a new swing set and playground,” said Patricia Mcilvenny-Moore, Principal of Ben Franklin Elementary. “We are very excited to receive this grant. Senator Ball does so many wonderful things for our schools and we are very appreciative.”
Senator Ball is also teaming up with the TOUGHKids Championship Triathlon to encourage kids to get active and live a healthy lifestyle. The race is for ages 4 – 14 and has been designed to inspire, motivate, and support youth activity and introduce kids to health & fitness through triathlon. For more information, visit toughkidstri.com.
