Outdoor Spaces
PS 163 is fortunate to have access to several outdoor spaces around our school building and community. Onsite, the students enjoy the Dr. Pepe Reading Garden [link] and the Amphitheater. During school hours, the Happy Warrior Playground is dedicated to PS 163 students for outdoor play during recess.
In addition, special class events and club activities (like running club) take advantage of nearby Central Park and Riverside Park.
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Amphitheater
Recently upgraded, the PS 163 amphitheater serves as another outdoor space for our younger students. More enclosed and intimate than the Happy Warrior Playground next door, the amphitheater is equipped with seating areas and play structures, so can be used for recess for our Pre-K and K students, or serve as a classroom for outdoor lessons, music, and reading time.
The Happy Warrior Playground, also known as “Rock Steady Park” reflecting its role in the history of breakdance culture, is closed to the public during school hours for our students to spend outdoor recess time in active play. With age-appropriate physical structures and paved open spaces both in the sun and nicely shaded by large trees, students can enjoy recess time climbing, running, playing ball, or sitting and talking.
Dr. Pepe Reading Garden
A very special place, the PS 163 Dr. Pepe Reading Garden was created in 2015 with community and parent support, and in honor of Dr. Pepe, a beloved past principal. In the warmer months, the garden serves as an oasis, outdoor classroom, and gathering place for students, classes, and families. Our wonderful parent volunteers maintain the garden year-round, engaging our school community to help with activities like plantings, mulching, and clean-up.
