Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Henderson Upper School unveiled their new, all-accessible schoolyard to the public Tuesday morning.
Mayor Michelle Wu delivered remarks before leading the ribbon cutting ceremony with the help of some of the student body.
Deputy Superintendent of Boston Public Schools Dr. Sam DePina also spoke at the event, praising ninth grader Mayrah Williams for her impact on this project.
“Maryah has been an advocate and champion for this playground for about 9 years,” DePina said.
The idea for the inclusive schoolyard and open play area can be traced back to Williams, who was in second grade when she pitched the idea, suggesting the installation of a playground.
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“Well, it started with a prompt we were given where we were asked to suggest things for the school,” she said.
Years later, the schoolyard is now fully realized with a playground, a turf field and soft rubber surfacing. Williams says that the yard has come a long way since that initial idea, and she is incredibly grateful for its existence.
“It makes me feel happy to know that work has been done and that people are still listening,” she said. “I’m glad things are moving forward.”
Williams also discussed how passionate she is about having a space like this that is accessible and available for all students to benefit from.
“It’s what students deserve,” she said. “They deserve the space to play and roam as well as good classrooms, just a more inclusive environment, I think it’s what’s needed here.”
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.