Rhinebeck elementary school seeks votes for fitness playground grant

Chancellor Livingston School in Rhinebeck is looking for the public's help to win a grant to fund a new fitness playground for students and the community.

Kevin Yarnell and Ryan Edson, physical educators at the school, said the elementary school is a finalist in a nationwide competition. A voting contest is underway that is open to the public. “Dannon Danimals and Project Fit America Back to School Grant Contest” will grant $25,000 for playground equipment to each of four schools that secure the highest number of votes from Jan. 5-31. Project Fit America also will underwrite $7,000 of playground building and installation expenses for each of the top four schools, according to a written release.

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More than 300 businesses in the Hudson Valley have agreed to support Rhinebeck in this nationwide grant contest, according to Yarnell and Edson, who are asking the public to share this voting link: http://danimalsshopriteschoolcontest.young-america.com

Participants are asked to select Chancellor Livingston Elementary, enter email address and  then click submit. Community members can also post voting information to social media channels by using the hashtag: #DannonsbestisCLS

“In an era of the 2 percent tax cap, funding for new playground equipment is extremely difficult to secure," Edson said. "This grant would not only cover costs of equipment and installation, but would help promote lifetime fitness and wellness for our entire community."

He said the existing playground is outdated and does not maximize the property’s capacity.

Principal Brett King said the school's Physical Education department has worked hard to get to this point in the competition.

"I hope that we can get every family to share voting information on social media channels and with colleagues, friends and neighbors so that we can bring this to the finish line," he said.

Voting is open to anyone age 13 and older who resides in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. There is a one-vote limit per day per email address.

For more information, visit http://danimalsshopriteschoolcontest.young-america.com