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The new playgrounds were created through a design process led by students. At each participating school students surveyed their peers to learn the most popular playground features, and then worked with landscape architects to integrate them into the final design. Through this process, students learned about environmental science, budgeting, and negotiation.
Four-time Olympian Meb Keflezighi was on hand for the announcement at CS 154 in Harlem, Manhattan, one of three sites where construction on new playgrounds will soon begin. According to the press release:
“Perhaps a future marathon champion will be touched by this donation from New York Road Runners, but that is not the goal. What's most important is that all children have the opportunity to develop an active and healthy lifestyle. This will surely benefit the children, families, and our communities,” said Keflezighi, winner of the 2009 New York City Marathon.
RELATED: One Mom's View of NYC’s Top 10 Playgrounds
The playground at CS 154 will have a “Night and Day” theme that incorporates many student-developed design elements, including an image of families dancing the night away near the Apollo Theater.
The Trust for Public Land has helped develop 189 playgrounds in New York City, and nearly 3.3 million New Yorkers live within a 10-minute walk of one of its playgrounds. In addition to serving students during the school year, all playgrounds in New York City are open to the public on weekends and after school hours, giving all NYC residents a chance to get active and healthy.
For more on NYRR’s free programs and events, go to visit nyrr.org.
