New Playing Fields for Scranton State School for the Deaf

From: WNEP-TV - Scranton,PA,USA - Jun 22, 2004

Construction is underway at a school with a long history in Scranton. The Scranton State School for the Deaf is getting something that's been absent for more than 100 years.

The front lawn of the school is all torn up to make way for a new playing field. School officials said it's been a long-time coming. Construction equipment was moving dirt Monday to create a playing field for the children.

"This is going to be a beautiful enhancement of our lovely corner," said school Superintendent Dorothy Bambach. She said the plan has been in the works for a dozen years. "We're on a beautiful, hilly corner, but that's the problem, it's a beautiful, hilly corner. We needed a level playing field, not only for physical education during the day to have an outside area to play, but for the after-school program," explained Bambach.

The Scranton State School for the Deaf has been on the same ten acres since 1889. The new field will be the school's first in its 115 years. The students and school officials can't wait. They said a level playing field will lead to a more well-rounded education.

"(We) believe in the total education of our kids, not just book learning, getting along with each other and teamwork," said Bambach. "Teamwork is important and the same things hearing kids need, deaf kids need."

The new field will not be used for competitive play. Construction is expected to be complete for the start of the school year in September.

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