Just a few days before they’re slated to be flung open to welcome students, workers were installing doors on a new entrance to the Red Bank Primary School Friday.
The newly built stairs, sidewalks and entrance mark the latest stages of an ongoing remake of the grounds that has been undertaken over the last two summers. The project is designed to improve drainage on the flood-prone site, along with traffic flow, lighting and safety.
Parents and students returning for the start of classes on September 3 will find things looking a bit different.
The project included re-routing the sidewalk approaching the school, taking pedestrians away from main driveway and allowing them to walk directly from River Street to the new entrance on the south side of the building.
“We are especially excited to introduce a dedicated entryway for our early childhood families, creating a smoother arrival and dismissal process,” Red Bank Borough School Superintendent Jared Rumage said in an email. “While final touches on this area will wrap up before the end of September, everything is on track for a seamless opening day.”
Here’s some more details on summer projects at the school and Red Bank Middle School, from the Red Bank Borough Board of Education August 18 Community update:
- Our Middle School received a makeover of the front parking lot and refurbished curbing and concrete sidewalks. The finishing touches included the addition of 5 bike racks.
- At the Primary School, this summer included Phase 2 of our exterior upgrades. We anticipate 80% of the project will be completed prior to the start of school and the remainder finished over the course of the fall.
- Upon arrival, you will see redesigned and newly paved lower parking lots, improved lighting and a new entryway to the 100 wing. Additionally, we improved drainage throughout the property. We look forward to a new 100 wing canopy as well as an upgrade to the A-frame entrance and courtyard this fall.
The primary school work is being funded by a combination of state and federal grants and proceeds from a successful $6.75 million referendum approved by voters in 2019.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
