NEW BRITAIN — For the children at Northend Elementary School, recess isn’t always welcomed as it is in other schools, especially on a hot spring or summer day, but that will soon be changing.
After more than 133 years, the school is not only the oldest school in the city but is considered by many to be the only true neighborhood school. But like many neighborhoods in urban areas, the play areas available to youngsters are more concrete than grass and trees.
“We don’t have much more than some blacktop that used to be the parking lot,” says Cathy Cote, parent-school liaison for Northend. “When it gets hot, the kids just bake.”
The blacktop playground, devoid of basketball hoops or playground equipment, offers a few painted lines for game playing if you have a good imagination.
But thanks to the generosity of McDonald’s, Farmington Savings Bank and a host of parents who baked brownies, cookies and cakes for innumerable bake sales, the students at Northend will soon have an addition to the blacktop that will give both their bodies and minds a workout.
The school is getting ready to receive a Neos Wall Electronic Playground System. Developed by Playworld Systems of Pennsylvania, the system features four sleek, interconnected towers, nine games, one- and two-player options, three skill levels for all levels of competitions and a freestanding sign with player instructions.
“The kids are going to love having this,” Cote says. “And what we like best is that it’s also mentally stimulating. We’re funny about that here at school.”
According to the company, the Neos playscape combines the speed and fun of a video game with intense aerobic exercise. With players racing each other and the clock, they work on their agility, coordination and ability to work as a team.
“We’ve tried to explain it to the students and show them pictures, but after spending their lives on a hot piece of blacktop they’re having trouble picturing it,” Cote says, adding that the school also is looking for ways to procure large planters with shrubs and trees. “We don’t have the money yet, but we want to give them a more natural environment, even if it’s still on blacktop. That’s what the donations and bake sales are for.”
The school expects the Neos play station to be delivered and installed in later this month.
By JAMES CRAVEN
Staff Writer
James Craven can be reached at jcraven@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601.
