Rockland Responds: Dr. Clarence G. Ellis, ERCSD Superintendent Responds to Question About Using Fenced in Public School Playgrounds

Hi, 

I live in New Hempstead. Hempstead School, an elementary school on the corner of Union Road and Brick Church Road, has a lovely playground where my kids play every Shabbos. Recently, the school fenced in the playground. I am wondering if we are still allowed to use the playground at times when school is not in session. Please let me know if this is allowed after school hours.  

Thank you,

New Hempstead Resident

Happy New Year and thank you for inquiring about access to the East Ramapo Central School District’s yards and playgrounds.

The District recently installed new fences around the perimeters of nine of our elementary schools for the safety of our students and staff. These fences help the District enrich the experiences of students with disabilities (SWDs) and promote their inclusion in activities with general education students, particularly during outdoor play. By enhancing our resources in these areas, we can procure safe, adaptive play equipment, sensory tools, and therapeutic materials that facilitate the meaningful engagement of SWDs with their peers.

In the evenings and weekends, when school is not in session or when an event is not being held, the general public is allowed to access the playgrounds. It is the decision of the East Ramapo Central School District’s Board of Education to open our property to the community during these times, and they expect visitors to maintain the grounds by not littering, damaging school equipment, or feeding the wildlife.

We trust the East Ramapo community will abide by these guidelines and hope that having access to the open space gives people the chance to spend more quality time outdoors in nature.

Dr. Clarence G. Ellis,

Superintendent of Schools,

East Ramapo Central School District

Email [email protected] to have your question answered.