Senator Terry Gipson Delivers $100,000 Grant to Build Playground at Kent Elementary School

For Immediate Release: September 3, 2013
Media Contact: Jonathan Heppner | 845.463.0840 | heppner@nysenate.gov

Senator Terry Gipson Delivers $100,000 Grant to Build Playground at Kent Elementary School

KENT, NY -- On the first day of school in Kent, New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) delivered a $100,000 grant that he secured through the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program for the Imagination Station II that will go towards building a playground for Kent Elementary School. Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, Legislator Richard T. Othmer Jr., Kent Supervisor Katherine Doherty, Carmel Teachers’ Association President Lisa Jackson, Imagination Station and KEPTO President Brittany Alvarez, School Representatives, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, the Carmel Rotary and members of the community joined Senator Terry Gipson for the ceremony.

“What makes today so special is that this project is all about the community and our kids. From first meeting with the Imagination Station II, to visiting Kent Elementary and speaking with the 4th graders, I knew Kent meant business about getting this special playground built,” said Senator Gipson. “I’m very pleased to have secured this funding, but I also want to thank all of those who have been working so hard on this project. Investing in our children is investing in our future, and this playground will help our children be active, use their imaginations and become well-rounded leaders of tomorrow.”

The Imagination Station II Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation run by parents, former students and community members seeking to rebuild the former wooden structure that once stood between Kent Elementary and Primary Schools. The former structure was torn down in July of 2010. Senator Gipson was made aware of the need for a new playground by meeting with members of the Imagination Station II at his district office and when he visited Kent Elementary where 4th grade student, Aidan Tobin, personally requested that the Senator help build them a new playground.

"Brittany Alvarez and the entire Imagination Station II and PTO organizations have been working tirelessly to organize the funds and human-power needed to build a community-built playground. This playground is sure to greatly enhance the school day and after school experiences for so many children, and to offer options for healthy physical activity. I commend Senator Gipson for identifying resources available through the state budget that could be targeted to this project and help propel it to completion. I am so pleased that all the parent, student and community efforts will be able to be realized very soon with the help of these state funds for what I am sure will be a wonderful asset to education and to the Kent community," said Assemblywoman Sandy Galef.

“I can’t think of a better way to start the new school year than to have a check presented to KEPTO President Brittany Alvarez and her diligent fundraisers who have been working so hard to get Imagination Station II built,” said Executive MaryEllen Odell. “I remember when the first Imagination Station was built. My children were little and they certainly enjoyed playing here. So, on behalf of all the Putnam County children – and their parents – who will utilize this marvelous new playground, I want to thank Senator Gipson for making this dream come true.”

Added Richard T. Othmer, Jr., Chairman of the Putnam County Legislature: “My own kids used to play on the old Imagination Station and I was very upset when it was torn down. Senator Gipson is a very decent person and a great representative for the people of Kent. The good Senator deserves credit for securing the funding for this project. He is a sincere person who cares about people. I thank him for his efforts. Additionally, I have known Brittany Alvarez since she was a little girl and she also deserves a lot of credit for spearheading this project. As the Chairman of the Putnam County Legislature, representative of the Town of Kent and a member of this community, I am so happy for the children and young families who will enjoy the Imagination Station II for years and years to come!”

​“I’m so happy for Brittany Alvarez and all of those who have worked so hard on this project,” said Kent Supervisor Katherine Doherty. “I thank Senator Gipson for working with our community and securing this funding to help build our children and families a new playground.”

“On behalf of the Imagination Station and the Kent Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, I want to thank Senator Gipson for his support from the moment we first met in April,” said Brittany Alvarez, Imagination Station II and KEPTO President. “This much-needed funding will help give our school a playground that generations of children in Kent will enjoy.”

------ ------