Outdoor Committee



Lucas Elementary School and the Lucas Elementary PTO have teamed up on a project to enhance the outdoor environment.  Research has shown the developmental benefits for children, adults, families, and communities by connecting to the natural environment and how it builds a stronger, healthier and more vibrant community.  The first of its kind in the Iowa City School District, the vision of the Lucas Elementary Outdoor Playscape project is to build community by accomplishing the following goals:

  • Utilize the outdoor environment as a learning space for children. 
  • Promote healthy lifestyles for the children, teachers, staff and community of
    Lucas Elementary.
  • Expand the offerings for play so that children of all abilities have opportunities to
    develop holistically in an inclusive environment.
  • Incorporate eco-friendly plantings to show the children the wonders of the natural environment.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 

Spring 2013

The first phase in this project began with improvements designed to stimulate student imagination and creative play.  A large section of asphalt was removed from the K-2 playground on the south side of the school building and replaced with natural materials including mulch, logs, and stepping stones.
Old K-2 playground


Spring 2014


Thanks to an overwhelming amount of volunteer support and generous funding, Lucas Outdoor Committee broke ground on a new school garden, installed new playground equipment on the 3-6 grade playground and began the revitalization of the Prairie Pocket.


Spring 2015

The Outdoor Committee raised $1,300 and made significant improvements to the school’s environment. The addition of benches and tables to the prairie created an outdoor educational space. The K-2 grade students now have moveable soccer goals, which they greatly enjoy. Students from every grade participated in planting the Spring garden. Lucas was also named a monarch way station and received milkweed, which was added to the prairie. 



DESIGN

The design in progress, created by Abundant Playscapes, fulfills the vision with an outdoor classroom and gathering space; a ¼ mile accessible pathway loop; adds play spaces where children can expand their creative thinking; and infuses the environment with plant materials that awaken the senses and attracts butterflies and birds.

To build this project design, the Lucas Elementary PTO will be looking for parent volunteers to help in any way they can. Watch for calls for volunteers and announcements of outdoor work days.

FUNDING

These projects would not have been possible without the generous donations to the Lucas Elementary Make a Mighty Difference campaign along with grants from the following organizations:


MORE INFORMATION

This white paper from the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities includes research on the benefits of incorporating the outdoors as a learning environment and provides examples of initiatives, pilots projects and programs world wide.

QUESTIONS? IDEAS?

Email Cate Burke, Lucas PTO Outdoor Committee Chair: cate223@gmail.com

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