Finally, the 800 kids at PS 246 in North Fordham have a place of their own to run around, shoot hoops and simply play.

Originally built as a school for the blind, PS 246, located on the Grand Concourse across from Poe Park, doesn’t have a gym or auditorium, and the only place to play or gather was a cracked asphalt lot in back of the building.

On Dec. 20, the school unveiled its new state-of-the-art playground and community park that includes courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis; a running track; synthetic turf field; fitness and play equipment; benches and tables with game boards; and a garden with trees.

A team of students, teachers and parents from PS 246 spent the first half of the year designing the playground. Construction started over the summer. The cost of the project was around $1 million.

 At the sunny but frigid opening, partnership was the theme.

“This is the realization of our collective dream,” said Principal Beverly Miller.

That collective includes sponsors the Trust for Plan Land’s City Spaces group, a national non-profit that focuses on building playgrounds in low-income communities; Deutsche Bank; the Department of Education (DOE); and, of course, the students, teachers, parents and administrators of PS 246.

This is the seventh of 25 playgrounds City Spaces plans to build in New York City in the near future.

Stakeholders and children gathered for the grand opening, which was emceed by charming sixth-grader Kevin Fich, a budding entertainer with natural stage presence.  

“Children learn through play and that’s what this is all about,” said Stephanie Dua, CEO of the DOE’s Fund for Public Schools, during the ceremony.

When the speakers finished, the kids treated those gathered to a basketball game, a relay race and a dance routine. Toward the end, Miller wanted to especially thank Emily Sanderson, PS 246’s gym teacher, who worked extensively with student representatives to make their vision a reality. Both Miller and Sanderson wiped their eyes afterward.

“A tear came to my eye, but it’s too cold to cry,” said Kevin, lightening the mood and ending the ceremony. “I’m going to play.”

CAP: PS 246’s track team, the Lightning, races for the first time on the new rubberized track.

CAP: Students at PS 246 in action during an exhibition on the school’s new basketball court.