“An investment in our children is an investment in the future of our city. The improvements at Columbus School will help our students learn and play in the best environment possible. We are proud of the continued progress we are making for our kids in Bridgeport.” – Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch
- WHO: Mayor Finch, City Council members, school officials, community leaders.
- WHAT: Ribbon cutting ceremony of the upgrades made at Columbus Middle School.
- WHERE: 275 George Street, Bridgeport, Conn.
- WHEN: Saturday, July 25 at 1:00 p.m.
Bridgeport, Conn. (July 24, 2015) – Mayor Bill Finch will attend a ribbon cutting ceremony today at Columbus Middle School to unveil the school’s newest upgrades.
Improvements include renovations as well as new additions to the outdoor area of the school. A synthetic soccer field, an “outdoor classroom,” a new splash pad and a resurfaced basketball court are among the upgrades.
“An investment in our children is an investment in the future of our city,” said Mayor Finch. “The improvements at Columbus School will help our students learn and play in the best environment possible. We are proud of the continued progress we are making for our kids in Bridgeport.”
The renovations are part of Mayor Finch’s goals for school construction upgrades. Under the Mayor’s leadership, 13,000 students in the Park City will attend new or renovated schools in the near future.
In addition to Columbus, renovations were recently made to the outdoor areas at James J Curiale School and Wilbur Cross Elementary. The Mayor also worked with the city to begin planning for two new schools, a high school to replace 90-year-old Harding High School and a new Longfellow Elementary School, for which construction has already begun.
Columbus’ upgrades also help Mayor Finch’s initiative to make sure every family in Bridgeport is within walking distance to a park or playground. Under his administration, over 100 acres of parkland have been created or renovated.
Having a park down the street helps keep kids healthy, according to a recent study by Fairfield University. The study reports that more parks also equal higher property values, better water filtration, and more volunteerism in the community.