HAMMOND -- The Hammond Central School District has a brand new playground for it students, thanks to $100,000 in grants secured by State Senator Patty Ritchie.

“By encouraging students to get outside, exercise and play with one another, we are helping to improve their growth and development,” said Senator Ritchie. “That is why it is so important to me to secure funding for projects that improve fitness and increase activity in our local school districts.”

The funding allowed the district to purchase new fitness equipment for the playground and build handicap-accessible walkways that lead up to it. The project was finished just in time for the new school year.

“Hammond Central School appreciates Senator Ritchie's tireless efforts on behalf of all students in her region,” said Hammond Central School District Superintendent Douglas McQueer. “Her diligence through the years has assisted Hammond to be able to purchase supplementary literacy materials, sports equipment and playground pieces for our students.”

In addition to this grant, Senator Ritchie has also helped the students of Hammond Central better understand the importance of agriculture and healthy foods by providing the district with $5,000 for her “Seeds of Success” program.