Mae Flexer

Senator Flexer Welcomes State Bonding for Putnam Elementary School Playground

State Senator Mae Flexer today thanked the State Bond Commission for approving $100,000 to update the Putnam Elementary School playground so that it can accommodate more students and students with disabilities.

“For years we have seen use of this playground increase from people in the community and a growing student population at Putnam Elementary. The old playground is badly in need of upgrades and expansion, and I’m happy to have secured state funding to help make that a reality. Thank you Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for investing in the children of Putnam,” Sen. Flexer said. “I’m thrilled that this improved playground is so much closer to reality.”

“These state funds will help ensure that our young kids in Putnam continue to have a location for fun recreational activities, including for those who have disabilities,” said Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission. “I am glad that we can partner with the town to make this happen, and I appreciate Senator Flexer’s ongoing advocacy for this project.”

“We are so appreciative of Senator Flexer for the upgrades and new additions that this state bonding will provide,” said Putnam Elementary School PTO Vice-President Holly Mayo. “These playground improvements are something that the kids in Putnam need and deserve, and it’s something that I and the entire Putnam Elementary School PTO board have been working on since before the COVID pandemic even began, so we’re really happy now that the funding has come through.”

“I am thrilled beyond belief about the State Bond Commission approval,” said Putnam Schools Superintendent Dan Sullivan. “I really appreciate all the work that Senator Flexer and Holly Mayo and all of our school administrators put into this and how they lobbied for this. In the end it’s good for our town and good for our students.”

Putnam Elementary School’s current playground was built in 2006, when the school administration and the PTO worked together to update the area and equipment for students. But since 2006, Putnam Elementary School has grown by more than 120 students, in addition to daily use of the playground by Putnam residents. As such, individual pieces of playground equipment have become quite worn and many repairs have had to be done to keep certain components safe for all children.

The new playground is expected to cost approximately $170,000 and will feature equipment that is ADA compliant, can be used by more than 2 or 3 children at a time, is shaded from the sun, and maximizes a student’s curiosity, exploration, and gross motor skills.