Greenport expands gym with $20K donation from Peconic Landing
Thanks to a large donation from Peconic Landing, Greenport School District unveiled a new, larger weight room Monday morning.
With a recent expansion at Peconic Landing that included purchasing all new gym equipment, the organization donated nearly $20,000 of used equipment to the district, Superintendent David Gamberg said.
“The equipment that we now have that takes up this room is a huge improvement over what we had previously,” Mr. Gamberg said. “We were in a smaller room. We couldn’t have fit all of it into that small room. Not only the students here who are representative of Greenport schools, but all students stand to benefit. We’re really so grateful.”
Some of the equipment in the new gym, which is located in the school basement, was transferred from Greenport’s old space across the hall. The majority of it — such as treadmills and weight lifting machines — was donated from Peconic Landing.
“Peconic Landing loves Greenport school,” said Bob Syron, the president and CEO of Peconic Landing. “I know most of the kids here and I’ve coached some as well, so we’re honored to be able to do it.”
The workout center is currently for student use only, Mr. Gamberg said, adding that more updates, such as mirrors, will be added to the room.
Facilities director Marcus DaSilva said new mats for the workout center were installed at the end of April and the donated equipment was placed inside the room Friday. Students started using the equipment that day, he said.
Mr. DaSilva said students can use the workout center after school or during physical education classes. An added benefit of the new room is that it has a door that leads to the track so students can lift weights, go for a run, and come back to the workout center easily, he said. The old room, which is currently empty, will be used for elementary students to play and take tumbling classes.
“Taking advantage of this space here is going to promote good health and well-being,” Mr. Gamberg said. “It’s very important for those of us that jog, or lift weights, or even walk, all those activities, you start doing them now you make a lifetime experience, which is really important.”
Photo Caption: Bob Syron (third from left), President and CEO of Peconic Landing, cuts a ribbon symbolizing the opening of the new workout center in the Greenport School District Monday morning. (Credit: Nicole Smith)
