New playground brings students together at St. John the Baptist

KENMORE — Students, families and faculty of St. John the Baptist School look forward to the start of the new school year in a few short weeks because of what will greet them as they walk up to the front doors of the school. A new playground can now be found on the front lawn of St. John’s – a vibrant, safe, and imaginative space designed to promote active play and community bonding. 

Funds for this new space were gifted from the closing of Mount St. Mary Daycare on Englewood Avenue. With the help of former school parent and Daycare board member Lori Valenti, a proposal was written by St. John’s for these funds, along with funds to further the development of the early childhood, after school, and summer camp programs at St. John’s. 

“I was in the right place at the right time,” explained Valenti. “I was able to nominate St. John’s School for this funding passed on from Mount St. Mary Daycare. We submitted a letter of intent to the attorney general of New York and threw our hat in the ring. It was a long, arduous process that was over three years in the making. Many projects were submitted, and the attorney general was bound to protocols and laws in dispersing these assets. We were thrilled that they finally accepted our request to approve this project.” 

Valenti was especially proud of this project’s completion, as her daughter, Arden, who had been a student at St. John’s since pre-K and just graduated from eighth grade this past June, was able to see the project come to fruition. 

“To be able to leave this – this beautiful project – in our last year with one child; we are beyond grateful that we could have this impact on the school that will live on long after Arden graduates.” 

The playground was first announced to the school at a pep rally back in January 2025 during St. John’s Catholic Schools Week celebration. The final weeks of the school year were filled with anticipation as students got to watch the construction of the playground right before their eyes. Prior to going home for summer vacation, St. John the Baptist pastor, Father Michael Parker, along with Valenti, and the entire St. John’s school community dedicated the new space and all of the students, from pre-K 3 to grade eight, were given an opportunity to play on the new playground. 

“I love using the monkey bars!” said rising first grader Emily Mayfield. “The playground is so fun because we get to have a good time playing outside with our friends.” 

The playground, built by American Eagle Fireplace and Playsets, features monkey bars, slides, a rock wall, and even a small picnic bench for students to gather. Safety is also a priority, as the space is fenced and features turf-covered grounds. 

Parents, both current and past, and teachers were also thrilled with the news of the addition of the new playground. Former school parent, St. John’s alum, and current first grade teacher, Melissa Richey, said, “As an alum myself and parent of four children who graduated from St. John’s, I never dreamed that having a playground at St. John’s could be a reality.” Richey looks forward to sharing the space with her new first graders in September. She went on to say, “Seeing the students enjoying it on the front lawn is now a full circle moment and it’s exciting for all those who will get to use the space going forward.” 

The playground has been utilized throughout the summer by the St. John’s summer camp program and is a highlight of camp this year. The school community looks forward to beginning the 2025-2026 school year with the playground fully operational. Space is still available in all grade levels and registration for enrollment at St. John’s is open. For more information about registration or to set up a tour, call the school office at 716-877-6401.