PLAY YARD

The school’s play yard is being renovated, with work to be completed over the summer.  The work, which will include repair to the side wall and fencing, new benches, and the construction of a flower bed grotto using memorial bricks engraved with names of loved ones. The grant will also provide for additional play equipment for the space.

It will be used both for recreation for the After School Program, physical education classes, and sports, and as a place for prayer and reflection.  The play yard project truly exemplifies our mission of educating the whole child. Within this safe, beautiful space in the heart of Washington Heights, students will grow in physical wellness and spirituality.

The renovations are being funded by a $20,000 Challenge Grant from the Endowment for Inner-City Education; $40,000 in grants from The Betty Barrett and Juanita Bateman Foundation; a $40,000 grant from The Barrett Foundation, Inc. (Father Joseph Sanches ‘53 was instrumental in obtaining these grants); $2,000 from Ted Buczek and the Buczek Family, in memory of his son Police Office Michael J. Buczek; donations from the Class of 1947 in honor of their 61st Anniversary Reunion; and many donations from parents, alumni and friends. 

Funding is still needed in a number of areas.  The yard still needs new outdoor lighting for the safety of our After School Program and for new doors, to replace the original ones and badly in need of repair. For more information, please see our WISH LIST.  This is a great way to memorialize a family member or come together with your graduating class.  We are also still accepting engraved bricks for the garden.  Please fill out an order form.

The St. Elizabeth School play yard was originally dedicated in 2002 to honor those who died in the crash of American Airlines Flight 587, bound for the Dominican Republic in 2001. The neighborhood of Washington Heights suffered a great loss; St. Elizabeth Parish held funeral masses for 11 of the victims.  The victims and their families were remembered in prayer at the dedication in 2002 and anniversary remembrance in 2003, which featured student speakers, art projects and music.

Initial renovations were provided by a Neighborhood Grant from Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and from individual donors, will be part of a plan of fund-raising and beautification of the space.

Please see pictures of the Dedication Ceremony and pictures of the bricks.