$2.265 Million State Investment to Create New Community Park at Coram Elementary

Project at Coram Elementary School Will Bring an Inclusive Community Playground, Gathering Space and Recreation Opportunities to a Hamlet Without a Public Park

A $2.265 million state investment will transform a portion of the Coram Elementary School grounds into a new public access community park, bringing a dedicated recreation and gathering space to a hamlet that has long lacked a public park of its own for children and families of all ages. The project is the latest outcome of the sustained advocacy efforts of the Longwood Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Lance Lohman, and our civic and community partners to secure state and local investments in resources that serve our Longwood families within and beyond the school day.

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie joined Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, whose 4th Assembly District includes Coram, along with Longwood Central School District leaders, students, and community representatives at Coram Elementary School to announce the shared vision for this new community space along with the funding to support it.

The planned park is expected to include an inclusive, multi-age playground designed for children of all abilities, with ramped play structures, adaptive swings, and dedicated areas for younger and older children. The site will also feature a covered pavilion with picnic tables, an ADA-accessible walkway, a multi-sport court for basketball and pickleball, and additional public access parking.

Designed as a true community resource, the park will be designed to be physically separated from the school, allowing it to remain accessible to the public during the school day while maintaining the appropriate safety protocols during regular school operations. Mature oak trees already located on the property will be preserved and incorporated into the park setting and will provide natural shade for the area.

The announcement follows months of advocacy by District and community leadership, who met directly with Speaker Heastie to make the case for state investment in Coram. The meeting highlighted the continued success and impact of Longwood's My Brother's Keeper and My Sister's Keeper programs along with its Career and Technical Education offerings. These programs are a true reflection of the District's broader commitment to developing our young people as learners, leaders, and active members of their community.

"Coram families have waited a long time for a place like this," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lance Lohman. "Thanks to the leadership of Speaker Heastie, Assemblywoman Kassay, and to our strong partnership with Kareem Nugdalla and the Coram Civic Association, our children will have a place to play, our families will have a place to gather, and our community will have a space it can truly call its own. This is part of an ongoing effort by our Board and our community to make sure Longwood gets the investment it deserves! I know that this is just the beginning and this investment will surely enrich our community for generations to come."

As always, Longwood students were at the heart of the day. Members of the District's My Brother's Keeper and My Sister's Keeper programs welcomed Speaker Heastie and Assemblywoman Kassay, sharing their personal stories about how growing up and learning in the Longwood community helped shape their individual journeys.

Their stories reflect Longwood's continued work to create opportunities for young people to grow as learners, leaders, and members of their community. The new park builds upon that commitment by creating a lasting public resource for the children and families who call Coram home.

"Our responsibility to children doesn't stop at the school door," said Longwood Board of Education President Victoria Molloy. "This project is a wonderful example of what can happen when our schools, elected leaders, and community partners work together for our families. Our Board and Superintendent are known for their commitment to advocacy for Longwood and our community, and this is a great example of what true community partnership can accomplish. We are grateful to Speaker Heastie and Assemblywoman Kassay for seeing the potential in our community and choosing to invest in it."

The District also thanks Kareem Nugdalla, the Coram Civic Association, and all of our Civic associations and leaders for their continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of our families.