Robert Morris Principal Jessica Korzelius and Superintendent Jason Smith check out some the new equipment during a break on Saturday.
It seems like yesterday that the Robert Morris playground was updated. It was actually 2011 when the school won the Pepsi Challenge and received a $50,000 grant which was used to create a brand-new playground. At that time, the building housed elementary level students K-5.
Fast forward to next school year, 2026-27. Kindergarten students will join UPK and Pre-K at Robert Morris.
“So, we want to make this an early childhood center for the ages of three, four and five. This is all age appropriate for ages three, four and five, which is what’s led to the need to have a more appropriate playground. It’s all part of the BSCD Reimagined Capital Project that our voters graciously
approved,” says Superintendent Jason Smith.
Smith says the project was approved in 2023. BCSD Capital Improvement Project Presentation 10.23.23.pptx
Parents and community members showed up on Saturday to help construct the playground, alongside constructions managers from Align Outdoors, which is based in North Chili.
“We have current parents. We have a future parents here. We have staff here, and some community staff, spouses and just community members that, you know, Robert Morris is a beloved building in our district. So, we have members that have gone here that just want to come back and support their community and support our kids,” says Principal Jessica Korzelius.
The Inclusive Early Childhood Center playground should be completed sometime in October or early November.
“So, the final stage will be putting the turf in,” says Korzelius. The turf is similar to the turf at Jackson School playground.
“I just want to thank everybody for being out here. It’s really nice to see everybody coming together again, like current our current families, future families, are out here, staff. Everyone’s having a good time and finding a spot for themselves to jump in and on the fun. It really is exciting to see.”
If anyone is interested in assisting with lending a hand with the project, the group will also be on hand on Sunday, from 8am-3pm behind Robert Morris school.
