SWBOCES at Transfiguration School cuts ribbon on new playgrounds
Inclusive, interactive design offers opportunities for all students to enjoy
Its unique, inclusive design encourages active play and social interaction for students of all abilities, supporting the Center for Special Services’ mission to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of months of planning, collaboration, and care aimed at creating a space designed specifically for students with diverse communication and developmental needs. Superintendent Dr. Harold Coles and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Brendan Lyons joined Transfiguration students and staff for the special event.
Jessica Walker, Director of the Center for Special Services, said the prior playground was beyond its useful life and in need of upgrading to something new and appropriate for Transfiguration’s unique student population.
“We really looked to see what equipment would best serve our students,” Ms. Walker said. “We worked closely with the playground developer, Principal Francesca Fernandez, and our amazing Facilities team to design a layout that our kids could truly enjoy.”
Ms. Walker thanked the Southern Westchester BOCES Board of Education, executive leadership, and the Facilities team, led by Director Frank Reale, for their support in bringing the project to life. “The final product is beautiful,” she said.
Ms. Fernandez shared in the excitement and wielded the oversized ceremonial scissors used to cut the ribbon. She said the playground was built this fall following the school’s reopening as a BOCES location. Transfiguration is one of two new Special Services locations in the SWBOCES region that began serving students this fall.
“This playground has been designed for our students — really serving the needs of students from ages 5 to 12 with communication needs,” Ms. Fernandez said. “We have a wonderful communication board, lots of spinning items, cool slides, and great adaptive swings. I know our students are already getting to it.”
After the ribbon was cut, students eagerly explored the new structures — spinning, sliding, and swinging under the bright morning sun — a joyful start to many years of play and growth ahead.
