Mayor Nancy R. Rossi applauded the state Bond Commission for grants totaling $5.1 million at its Sept. 20 meeting. Included in the funding was $100,000 to construct a playground on the grounds of Forest Elementary School in Allingtown.
The playground is something the school’s PTA has requested for many years. Forest PTA President Carrie Malangone has been the driving force behind the project, along with state Rep. Michael A. DiMassa, D-West Haven.
Rossi will appoint a seven-member Playground Committee, which will consist of Malangone; Ken Carney, the city’s volunteer projects coordinator; Councilman Peter V. Massaro, D-6; Board of Education member Rosa Richardson; Forest Principal Thomas J. Hunt; Superintendent of Schools Neil C. Cavallaro; and Board of Education Facilities Coordinator Christopher P. Everone.
Rossi said the committee will ensure a transparent process and facilitate the installation of the playground.
“I am thrilled that the Bond Commission approved the funding for this much-needed project in Allingtown, and I look forward to seeing the playground installed at Forest Elementary School next year,” Rossi said. “I want to also thank our legislative delegation, including state Reps. Michael DiMassa, Dorinda Borer and Charles Ferraro and state Sens. Gayle Slossberg and Gary Holder-Winfield for their support.”
Rossi added, “We need to add more recreational facilities throughout the city for our younger generation, and this playground will provide a nice resource for them.”