Senator Dale M. Volker Secures $55,000 For Cayuga Heights Elementary School

Senator Dale M. Volker (R-C-I, Depew) today announced that he has secured $55,000 to assist in the construction of a new playground at the Cayuga Heights Elementary School located in the Village of Depew. Senator Volker secured these state funds as part of the adopted 2005-2006 State Budget.

"Parents, teachers, administrators and the children who are part of the Cayuga Elementary School have shown outstanding commitment and dedication to raise funds for a new playground for their school and community," said Senator Volker. "Although sometimes overlooked, playgrounds play a instrumental role in our children's futures. By being active and socializing with their fellow classmates, they learn life lessons that will have lasting benefits for them as they enter adulthood. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this major undertaking for all of their efforts to bringing this playground to fruition and I look forward to its opening."

Robert Puchalski, Principal of the Cayuga Union Free School District said, "The current playground has served our children and community well for over 19 years, and the time has come to replace it so that all of our children, including those with some physical challenges, can enjoy playing with their peers. I am very proud of the enormous effort and support of our children, administrators and educators in fundraising for the replacement of our playground. It is indicative of the character that our community is known for. I would like to thank Senator Volker for his continued commitment to our children and community by securing $55,000 in state funds for our playground replacement project."

In 1986 a playground was constructed at Cayuga Heights on Como Park Boulevard. This wooden-style playground, that was state-of-the-art when built, was constructed with pressure treated wood that has since fallen out of favor due to environmental concerns. Due to its age and years of constant use, replacing this playground has been recommended and is now being acted upon by the Depew Union Free School District. The new playground will meet all EPA standards and will be accessible to all children including those with physical challenges.

-20-