North Gwinnett News

Six elementary schools in Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) have enhanced their playgrounds and facilities using funds from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). The upgrades were made possible through DECAL’s $1.3 million Health and Safety Grant, awarded to the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, which aimed to improve afterschool program facilities.

The GCPS schools that benefited from these improvements are Cooper, Graves, Mulberry, Nesbit, and Stripling elementary schools. "This support from DECAL and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta aligns with our priority to provide safe and meaningful after-school care programs," said Soraia Santos-Felgenhauer, Director of Community Schools at GCPS. "We appreciate this opportunity to strengthen the family-community connection."

The YMCA partnered with both GCPS and Fulton County Public Schools for facility upgrades at select school sites where its afterschool programs operate. In total, enhancements were made at 12 YMCA sites in Metro Atlanta, five Gwinnett County schools, and 32 Fulton County schools. These improvements included new playground structures, adaptive play areas, sunshades, walking tracks, and ADA-accessible ramps designed to meet health and safety standards. All projects commenced in 2023 and concluded by August 2024.

"DECAL’s Health and Safety Grant allowed us to significantly enhance metro Atlanta students’ indoor and outdoor experiences by upgrading equipment and creating thoughtfully designed areas to promote physical health and safety," stated Lauren Koontz, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. "The Y’s afterschool programs provide children with opportunities to learn and grow in a welcoming environment, and we’re grateful to DECAL for helping us improve facilities to better support students’ well-being."

For more information about the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's afterschool programs, visit their website.