Colonie, NY – Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) joined North Colonie Central School District Superintendent Kathleen Skeals, Southgate Elementary Principal Jerri Lynne Dedrick, faculty, and students to celebrate the unveiling of a new adaptive playground at Southgate Elementary School. Made possible by a $125,000 New York State grant secured by Assemblymember Steck, the playground was designed to be inclusive for students of all abilities, fulfilling the vision of the late Coach Pete Mravlja, a beloved physical education teacher who worked tirelessly to ensure all students felt part of the Southgate community.

Don Kinzel, a close friend of Coach Mravlja and a kindergarten teacher at Southgate, co-hosted the assembly alongside music teacher Diana Karl. Reflecting on Coach Mravlja’s legacy, he shared, “Pete was an incredibly dedicated staff member who kept Southgate and its students close to his heart. He worked tirelessly to make sure that students in our special education programs were fully included in school activities. It was his dream to have an accessible playground, just as he ensured his physical education classes were open to all. Honoring his memory with an adaptive playground feels deeply fitting, and I know he would be so proud.”

Assemblymember Steck expressed his pride in supporting the project: “It’s an honor to help bring this adaptive playground to Southgate Elementary. Every child deserves a safe, accessible space to play and grow. Coach Mravlja’s legacy as a compassionate and inspiring teacher will live on here, where students of all abilities can experience the joy of play together.”

Principal Jerri Lynne Dedrick echoed these sentiments: “This playground is a testament to the spirit of Southgate and the values that Coach Mravlja instilled in all of us – kindness, resilience, and inclusivity. We are grateful to Assemblymember Steck for his support in making this playground a reality. This is more than just a playground; it’s a place where students can make friends, build confidence, and celebrate each and every student as an important member of our school community.”

To commemorate Coach Mravlja’s legacy, a plaque shaped like a baseball jersey will be displayed on the playground. One side reads, “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” – John Wooden. The reverse side features Pete Mravlja’s name and his jersey number, 21.

The new adaptive playground not only honors Coach Mravlja’s legacy but also reflects North Colonie’s commitment to supporting special education students within the district. Unlike many other school districts that send students with specialized needs to BOCES programs outside the community, North Colonie strives to provide resources in-district, allowing students to learn and play in a familiar environment.