{"id":75199,"date":"2026-05-14T14:46:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T18:46:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/?p=75199"},"modified":"2026-05-14T14:46:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T18:46:51","slug":"batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground\/","title":{"rendered":"BATAVIA\/City School District celebrates opening of Robert Morris playground"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"502\" data-attachment-id=\"75203\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground\/ribbon-cut-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ribbon-cut-1.jpg?fit=949%2C529&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"949,529\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"ribbon cut 1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ribbon-cut-1.jpg?fit=900%2C502&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ribbon-cut-1.jpg?resize=900%2C502&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ribbon-cut-1.jpg?w=949&amp;ssl=1 949w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ribbon-cut-1.jpg?resize=300%2C167&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ribbon-cut-1.jpg?resize=768%2C428&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ribbon-cut-1.jpg?resize=150%2C84&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Principal Jessica Kozelius gets a little help from her friends as she cuts the ribbon marking the playground&#8217;s opening<\/em><\/strong>&#8212;<strong><em>Photos\/video by Mike Pettinella\/For Video News Service<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Mike Pettinella<br>For Video News Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It could only be described as a \u201cjoyful noise\u201d when a couple dozen 4- and 5-year-olds paraded through the gate on Thursday morning following a ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the new playground at Robert Morris Elementary School at 80 Union St., Batavia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">School Principal Jessica Korzelius, with assistance from several pre-kindergarten pupils, cut the ribbon in celebration of the Batavia City School District\u2019s journey to making the inclusive early children center playground a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to that she called the day a special one \u201cbecause we\u2019re opening something we built together \u2013 a new playground for our early learning center here at Robert Morris.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080;\" width=\"1920\" controls src=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-clip.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Video clip of playground-by Mike Pettinella<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis playground is a space where children can explore, move, imagine and grow with the support of our caring community,\u201d she said during the brief event, which also was livestreamed to other students in their classrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMost importantly, this playground is community built. It reflects the time, effort and heart that neighbors put into making sure that our children have an age-appropriate, safe, welcoming and joyful place to play.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She then thanked all the volunteers who assisted in the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYour commitment goes beyond the work you did,\u201d she said. \u201cYou\u2019re helping shape the memories and moments that will matter most to families for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korzelius said the opening of the playground reflects the value of teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs we celebrate this opening, let\u2019s remember what this playground symbolizes: that when we come together, we can do great things for the youngest members of our community,\u201d she said. \u201cSo today, we celebrate not only the playground, but the people who made it possible. We welcome every child to this space with excitement, safety and wonder.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"896\" height=\"279\" data-attachment-id=\"75204\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground\/kids-at-playground-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kids-at-playground-1.jpg?fit=896%2C279&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"896,279\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"kids at playground 1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kids-at-playground-1.jpg?fit=896%2C279&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kids-at-playground-1.jpg?resize=896%2C279&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kids-at-playground-1.jpg?w=896&amp;ssl=1 896w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kids-at-playground-1.jpg?resize=300%2C93&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kids-at-playground-1.jpg?resize=768%2C239&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kids-at-playground-1.jpg?resize=150%2C47&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 896px) 100vw, 896px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Superintendent Jason Smith thanked those who volunteered their time in the construction of the park, teachers, capital project team of Campus Construction and CPL, and school board members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI am excited to have our boys and girls welcoming us into this brand-new place. At this age, we know that being outside is so important and playing is so important. This state-of-the-art equipment is going to last a long time and meet all of our needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"75200\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground\/teacher-and-pupil-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/teacher-and-pupil-1.jpg?fit=810%2C1080&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"810,1080\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"teacher and pupil 1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/teacher-and-pupil-1.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/teacher-and-pupil-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/teacher-and-pupil-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/teacher-and-pupil-1.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/teacher-and-pupil-1.jpg?resize=113%2C150&amp;ssl=1 113w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/teacher-and-pupil-1.jpg?w=810&amp;ssl=1 810w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Pre-kindergarten teacher Michael Calandra and pupil Zaebri Kinne celebrate the opening of Robert Morris Elementary School&#8217;s new playground on Thursday morning.<\/strong><\/em><strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Pupils from the pre-K classes of Michael Calandra and Kristen Fix didn\u2019t seem to mind the crisp weather as they anticipated having some fun on the enclosed playground after the ribbon-cutting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calandra applauded the decision to dismantle the playground that previously was on the site, which is south of the original playground (circa 1960\u2019s) that was located along Vernon and Richmond avenues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe love it. For this age group, it\u2019s perfect; perfect size,\u201d he said. \u201cThe last playground that was here, when we first got here, was built for more K through five so we had some issues with injuries. This is great. The softness of the carpet (turf) is great, and we can use it right away after it rains.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" data-attachment-id=\"75205\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground\/playground-1a\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-1a.jpg?fit=1080%2C810&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1080,810\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"playground 1a\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-1a.jpg?fit=900%2C675&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-1a.jpg?resize=900%2C675&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-1a.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-1a.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-1a.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-1a.jpg?resize=150%2C113&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-1a.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The $500,000 project (including grants) was approved in 2023 as part of the BCSD\u2019s Capital Improvement. In the fall, kindergarten students will join UPK and Pre-K at Robert Morris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korzelius said students were able to enjoy the space last November, weather permitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She said a priority was making it \u201cinclusive for our honeys who have different types of challenges or come with unique needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"688\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"75201\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground\/del-plato-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/del-plato-1.jpg?fit=726%2C1080&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"726,1080\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"del plato 1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/del-plato-1.jpg?fit=688%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/del-plato-1.jpg?resize=688%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/del-plato-1.jpg?resize=688%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 688w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/del-plato-1.jpg?resize=202%2C300&amp;ssl=1 202w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/del-plato-1.jpg?resize=101%2C150&amp;ssl=1 101w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/del-plato-1.jpg?w=726&amp;ssl=1 726w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Physical education teacher Carmen Del Plato shows that he&#8217;s really a &#8220;kid at heart.&#8221;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"528\" data-attachment-id=\"75206\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground\/playground-3a\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-3a.jpg?fit=810%2C528&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"810,528\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"playground 3a\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-3a.jpg?fit=810%2C528&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-3a.jpg?resize=810%2C528&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-3a.jpg?w=810&amp;ssl=1 810w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-3a.jpg?resize=300%2C196&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-3a.jpg?resize=768%2C501&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-3a.jpg?resize=150%2C98&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"419\" data-attachment-id=\"75207\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground\/playground-2a\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-2a.jpg?fit=1080%2C503&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1080,503\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"playground 2a\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-2a.jpg?fit=900%2C419&amp;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-2a.jpg?resize=900%2C419&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-2a.jpg?resize=1024%2C477&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-2a.jpg?resize=300%2C140&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-2a.jpg?resize=768%2C358&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-2a.jpg?resize=150%2C70&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/playground-2a.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Principal Jessica Kozelius gets a little help from her friends as she cuts the ribbon marking the playground&#8217;s opening&#8212;Photos\/video by Mike Pettinella\/For Video News Service By Mike PettinellaFor Video News Service It could only be described as a \u201cjoyful noise\u201d when a couple dozen 4- and 5-year-olds paraded through the \u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"continue-reading-button\"> <a class=\"continue-reading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/14\/batavia-city-school-district-celebrates-opening-of-robert-morris-playground\/\">Continue reading<i class=\"crycon-right-dir\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":75205,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[8,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-75199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-batavia","category-genesee-county"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8eTP4-jyT","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":36917,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2022\/10\/21\/batavia-robert-morris-school-cuts-the-ribbon-celebrating-the-reopening-of-the-building-to-universal-pre-k-and-pre-school-students\/","url_meta":{"origin":75199,"position":0},"title":"BATAVIA\/Robert Morris School cuts the ribbon, celebrating the reopening of the building to Universal Pre-K and Pre-school students","author":"aka","date":"October 21, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Video of Ribbon Cutting at the reopening of Robert Morris School, now housing 72 Universal Pre-K students and 30 Pre-School students. 4-year-old students, Troy Briggs and Braxton Bliven assist with the official ribbon cutting at the 80 Union street entrance. The decision to school close Robert Morris school was made\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Batavia&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/still-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/still-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/still-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/still-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/still-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":67011,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2025\/08\/13\/batavia-city-school-district-invites-community-to-help-build-robert-morris-playground\/","url_meta":{"origin":75199,"position":1},"title":"Batavia City School District invites community to help build Robert Morris playground","author":"aka","date":"August 13, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Press release BATAVIA, NY\u2014The Batavia City School District is inviting community members to take part in a special two-day \u201ccommunity build\u201d for the new Robert Morris playground on Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers of all skill levels are encouraged to join\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Batavia&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000189389-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C602&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000189389-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C602&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000189389-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C602&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000189389-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C602&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000189389-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C602&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":67917,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2025\/09\/06\/batavia-its-all-hands-on-deck-this-weekend-at-the-robert-morris-playground\/","url_meta":{"origin":75199,"position":2},"title":"BATAVIA\/It&#8217;s all hands-on deck this weekend at the Robert Morris playground","author":"aka","date":"September 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Robert Morris Principal Jessica Korzelius and Superintendent Jason Smith check out some the new equipment during a break on Saturday. 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It was actually 2011 when the school won the Pepsi Challenge and received a $50,000 grant which was used\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;City of Batavia&quot;","block_context":{"text":"City of Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/city-of-batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20250906_122316-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C607&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20250906_122316-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C607&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20250906_122316-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C607&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20250906_122316-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C607&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/20250906_122316-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C607&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":59147,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/11\/19\/batavia-city-school-district-names-jessica-korzelius-as-principal-of-robert-morris\/","url_meta":{"origin":75199,"position":3},"title":"BATAVIA\/City School District names Jessica Korzelius as Principal of Robert Morris","author":"aka","date":"November 19, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Press release\/provided photo BATAVIA, NY\u2013\u00a0On Monday, November 18, upon recommendation from Superintendent Jason Smith, the Batavia City School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Jessica Korzelius as Principal of Robert Morris, effective January 6, 2025. \"I am delighted to welcome Jessica Korzelius as the new principal of Robert\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Batavia&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/unnamed-1-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1146&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/unnamed-1-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1146&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/unnamed-1-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1146&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/unnamed-1-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1146&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/unnamed-1-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1146&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6362,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2018\/10\/15\/batavia-city-school-district-breaks-ground-on-the-2020-vision-capital-project\/","url_meta":{"origin":75199,"position":4},"title":"BATAVIA\/City School District breaks ground on the 2020 Vision Capital Project","author":"aka","date":"October 15, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"The 2020 Vision Capital Project is officially underway with the construction process beginning today at Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field. 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