Alden Primary cuts ribbon on new playground

ALDEN. Alden Primary School cut the ribbon on a new playground behind the ACS Primary School. The playground is one piece of Alden Central Schools' larger capital program.

Voters approved a $48 million districtwide capital project on Dec. 17, 2024, according to WACS News, the district's student news site. The full package of that capital project includes funds for roofs, fire protection systems, parking, cafeteria and library renovations, and other upgrades across schools. The new playground at the Primary School was also funded by this project.

Principal Michael Stepnick and two students cut a blue ribbon while classmates waited on the poured rubber surface. Superintendent Adam Stoltman told the crowd the playground had been a long goal for teachers, the Board of Education, and the community. He thanked board members present, including board president Michael Bennett and members Paul Roll Jr., Lora Woodward, Maciej Kaczynski, and Richard Karalus.

Stepnick credited teachers Mrs. Vogl, Mrs. Busch, and Mrs. Pawlewski for helping design the equipment, and he thanked Turner Construction for the build after the district contracted GameTime for the play structures. A welcome sign lists play areas for ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12. Students had already used the yard during the school week. Speakers said more equipment is still coming, including a covered all-weather stage.

Board of Education member Lora Woodward, speaking after the ribbon cutting, said the playground will be open to the public outside of school hours. After the ribbon fell, second graders ran out for extra play time.