Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) will unveil its new inclusive playground at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 14 at the ACES Village School, 31 Temple St. The playground replaces a previous structure was torn down earlier this year after being deemed hazardous.

According to a press release from ACES, administration began discussing possible fundraising efforts and grant opportunities to support the acquisition of accessible and inclusive playground equipment during the winter of 2021. The goal was to purchase a playground where all students would be able to participate and feel included. The new playground would also need to assist in meeting student Individualized Education Program (IEP) objectives in the area of social emotional, gross motor, fine motor, leisure skills, and more.

The new playground, made possible thanks to several fundraisers, grant awards, and individual donations, was named to honor Rose Morrow, an assistant principal at ACES Village School who passed away in 2016. The playground had been visible from Morrow’s office, and school staff said that she would have enjoyed watching students make use of the inclusive playground.

“ACES Village School is beyond thankful for the support from ACES and the multiple foundations, organizations, and individual donors who made this dream turn into a reality,” said Ginny Tagliatela, Principal of ACES Village School. “These contributions directly impacted our diverse student population and have allowed students to use a playground where kids can be kids—regardless of their differences.”