Playground Improvement Project
Village Elementary School’s outdoor playground is approaching the end of its useful life. Having been the venue of choice for imaginative play and serious romping by Village Elementary School (VES) children, York families, vacationers, and local organizations alike, the playground is tired and is showing wear and tear.
The outdoor play area is also a living memorial honoring Matt Cruz, a loving and adventurous 6-year-old boy who attended Village Elementary School and passed away in 1999 following a tragic accident on its grounds.
The York School Department envisions an outdoor space that considers the importance of play in learning and development, the capacity of the space to engage individuals with a diverse range of abilities, the environmental impact of the project and playground, and interest in creating a space that reflects the Town of York and e natural environment of Maine’s Seacoast.
Book Nook made of stone in Nason's Corner, Portland, ME.
A Focus Group is Forming
A focus group is now forming. We encourage York residents, representatives from regional businesses and organizations, friends of Matt Cruz, environmental advocates, and learning and play enthusiasts to express interest. We invite interested individuals to contact VES Principal Beth Hutchins at (207) 363-4870 or complete this Focus Group Interest Survey by October 18, 2023.
Playgrounds that Inspire Us
A giant slide set in stone and play structure, Camden Rockport Middle School
A geometric sculpture for inspired play, Camden Rockport Middle School
Experimenting with water flow at the Jewish Community Alliance, Portland, ME
A whale sculpture for creative play and climbing at the Jewish Community Alliance, Portland, ME.