Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, visited the Lawrence Avenue Elementary School May 5 to learn more about a proposal to build a pavilion at the site.

She met with Potsdam Central School Superintendent Joann Chambers, Lawrence Avenue Principal Jennifer A. Gray and several committee members.

Gray said the pre-K and kindergarten teachers started talking about the need for a shaded spot next to the playground many months ago and formed a committee in an effort to move that proposal forward.

"After watching their group of kindergarten students run and chase on the playground, two veteran kindergarten teachers approached me with their wild idea. They expressed an interest in building a covered, shaded area on the playground for all to enjoy. And from there the Neighborhood Pavilion Project began," she noted.

The elementary school principal said the committee's dream has grown from simply adding a spot to offer some shade to children enjoying the playground to providing an outdoor gathering spot for the community.

The pavilion will be an expansive, covered outdoor place out of the elements, where families can gather for picnics or celebrations while enjoying the nearby playground;, community organizations or school clubs can meet or hold public events; and school children can enjoy lessons outside in the fresh air while being sheltered from the sun.

The venue committee envisions the new space will be suitable for concerts of all kinds, yoga and tai chi classes in the open air, and broomball and curlings tournaments in the colder months.

Assemblywoman Jenne, who noted the meeting took place on a beautiful spring day when a number of children were enjoying the playground, said she was impressed by the committee's concept.

Assemblywoman Jenne also discussed other potential outdoor projects on the district's property with school officials and committee members.

Gray said the committee has already raised over $10,000 for the project through a variety of fundraising projects ranging from holding a spaghetti dinner for families to soliciting local businesses for financial support.

Superintendent Chambers thanked Assemblywoman Jenne for meeting with the committee to learn more about the pavilion project.

“The Potsdam Central School District is grateful for the assemblywoman’s continued support of our students. We look forward to discussing ways in which we can work together to make this dream a reality for our school community,” Superintendent Chambers said.