“In Bridgeport, we know that our kids learn by playing outside as well as in the classroom. We’re making an investment in our children when we make improvements like these. The upgrades at Wilbur Cross and other schools are another way Bridgeport is getting better every day.” – Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch
- WHO: Mayor Finch, school officials, community leaders.
- WHAT: Announcement of upgrades at Wilbur Cross Elementary School.
- WHERE: 1775 Reservoir Ave., Bridgeport, Conn.
- WHEN: Thursday, July 23 at 1:00 p.m.
Bridgeport, Conn. (July 22, 2015) – Mayor Bill Finch will join school officials and other community leaders to announce improvements made at Wilbur Cross Elementary School.
Upgrades included a complete renovation of the playground and an added sports court to the grounds. Students at Wilbur Cross and other families in the community will be able to take advantage of the newly renovated area.
“In Bridgeport, we know that kids learn by playing outside as well as in the classroom,” said Mayor Finch. “We’re making an investment in our children when we make improvements like these. The upgrades at Wilbur Cross and other schools are another way Bridgeport is getting better every day.”
The improvements are part of 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 and 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.
Wilbur Cross’ renovations also help the city’s goal of school construction upgrades.
“For decades, thousands of Bridgeport kids have been attending schools in desperate need of repair, but that's changing,” said Mayor Finch. “We're making smart investments in school construction. On my watch, we've launched the largest school construction effort in our city's history.”
Under Mayor Finch’s leadership, 13,000 students in the Park City will attend new or renovated schools in the near future as the city continues working on improving and creating schools.
As part of the effort, construction for the new Longfellow Elementary School has already begun, and plans have been approved for a new high school to replace 90-year-old Harding High School.