September 25, 2012 > Newark Unified unveils new playground at Whiteford Preschool Newark Unified unveils new playground at Whiteford Preschool Submitted By Laura Johnson Photos By Miriam G. Mazliach The newly renovated playground at Whiteford Preschool, 35725 Cedar Boulevard, was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21. Newark Unified School District is excited to celebrate the completion of the first project funded by Measure G, a $63 million dollar bond voters approved in November 2011 to modernize the schools in Newark. Among those present for the occasion were: Newark Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Dave Marken, School Board President Ray Rodriguez, Board members Charlie Mensinger and Nancy Thomas as well as Interim Director of Special Education, Charlene Okamoto. Playgrounds are important places of social interaction and physical and emotional development for children. The modernized structure allows children of all abilities to interact with one another on a variety of diverse play apparatus, and the poured-in-place rubber surfacing provides a safe, clean, and attractive environment. It is important that children engage in healthy, physically- active outdoor play every day, but it's just as important that children experience it as simply having a good time! Superintendent Marken commented, "We are extremely pleased and thankful to the community."