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:
- FARM TO SCHOOL - A Garden is the Way to Grow
- HY-VEE – One Step Garden Grant
- LOWE’S TOOLBOX FOR EDUCATION
- MONARCH WATCH
- NEW PIONEER CO-OP – Soil Mates
- WALMART FOUNDATION - Community Grant
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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