On Friday, Dec. 4 staff and supporters at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School in Mission Hill cut the ribbon on a new playground at the St. Alphonsus Street school.
On hand to cut the ribbon was Aliece Dutson, President, Mission Grammar School, Father Joseph Tizio C.Ss.R , Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Elizabeth Looney, Principal, Bill Mullin, Board Co-Chair and Mission Grammar Alum as well as Mission Grammar Scholars.
The new 3,000 square foot outdoor playground and learning space is part of a $2 million expansion of Mission Grammar School’s St. Alphonsus campus. The expansion includes six new classrooms, a STEM lab, and the recently dedicated outdoor learning space.
The new playground, as well as the school expansion, has been funded by philanthropists and foundations and the playground now offers a vibrant outdoor space for Mission Grammar’s nearly 300 students.
This warm, welcoming, and colorful playground features more than 30 elements including three slides, two rock climbing walls, easels for young artists, comfortable seating areas, green space, and safety surfaces, all illuminated by a state-of-the-art lighting design. In addition, a 16-foot tall structure resembling a friendly spider’s “web” will offer Mission Grammar scholars expansive views of the Boston skyline.
With use of many recreational spaces limited due to COVID-19, the playground will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day, making it safe and accessible for not only Mission Grammar students but the entire Mission Hill and Roxbury community.
Founded in 1889, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School is an urban, college prep, Catholic School working to educate the whole child, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually, through its Early Education, Elementary and Middle School programs.