Gomes School Playground Officially Unveiled with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

City and state leaders gathered with teachers and students at Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School Tuesday afternoon to officially unveil New Bedford's newest community playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

State Senator Mark Montigny earmarked $60,000 in funds from the FY16 state budget to help the project. Though state funds aren't typically utilized for public school playgrounds, Montigny said it was important to provide the community

"This neighborhood deserves more recreation for all ages," said Montigny. "Everyone is welcome to use it and in the summer it will be dominated by neighborhood kids."

The school's Parent-Teacher Organization also raised over $16,000 during the last two years.

PTO officer and retired Gomes School teacher Beverly Tavares said over 100 volunteers helped assemble playground equipment this past Saturday from a far away as Mattapoisett.

The PTO will hold one final fundraiser this Friday, June 17. The family fun day and carnival will feature family-friendly events and the money raised will go toward the playground's finishing touches.

The playground is expected to be fully open to the public this July.