Ryan said the Elmwood neighborhood was a "playground desert," noting no dedicated play space for kids exists within a half-mile radius. The nearest playground is at School 45 at 141 Hoyt St. on ...

The schools also got safety upgrades, and Elmwood school had three breakout rooms installed and a courtyard. John Mills added a media center, a breakout room and an outdoor playground for pre-K.

More than 200 parents, alumnae and supporters of Elmwood School attended the all-girls private school gala to raise funds for the playground renewal project. Photo by Ben Welland/byfield-pitman ...