By Cliff Nadel
On March 26, Quinnipiac University President John Lahey presented a $700,000 check from the University to the town of North Haven and first selectmen Michael Freda at the North Haven’s Memorial Town Hall.
Quinnipiac President John Lahey presenting check to North Haven First Selectmen Michael Freda. Photo Via Quinnipiac University Photographer Autumn Driscoll
According to a press release from Quinnipiac, Freda and the town of North Haven plan to use the money for two new playgrounds at the Montowese Elementary School and Ridge Road School.
“Quinnipiac has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the Town of North Haven, where we have invested more than $350 million since 2007 to develop our North Haven Campus,” President Lahey said at the press conference according to Quinnipiac’s press release.
Kathryn Russo the Principal of Montowese Elementary School, said that the school’s new playground will be a kindergarten playground for kids five to six-years-old.
“We are hoping to have the playground completed by the beginning of next school year (August 2018),“ Russo said.
Patrick Stirk the Principal of Ridge Road Elementary School, said that the playground committee hasn’t decided on what playground equipment to purchase yet, but that the playground will be designed to make sure that all students can use it.
“The new playground is designed to ensure that students can access it regardless of any physical limitations. The equipment will allow/promote all of our students to play together,” Stirk said.
Both Principal Stirk and Russo said that their schools plan to hold dedication ceremonies for the new playgrounds but the dates for them haven’t been set.
The money Quinnipiac has given to the town of North Haven has been used to pay for the instillation of lights at North Haven’s town softball field and a playground at Green Acres Elementary School.