Schoolyard Habitat Project

Vital Stats

Kimberly K

Peoria, IL

  • people helped350
  • People Doing It 75

The Problem

Garfield Primary School and Logan Park is located in an area often seen as crime ridden and has little to offer in the ways of safe outdoor activity. 4-H programs have to bus these children to a community garden several miles away. This schoolyard habitat project offers Garfield programming all connected to their mission of “Peaceful Kingdom” full service community school. Since open discussion into the planning of this project, church, neighborhood and school community have been extremely excited. This has enhanced the moral of school staff that have been under tremendous pressure with the closure of many of their sister schools.

Plan of Action

We are proposing a schoolyard habitat (or outdoor learning center) for Garfield School/Logan Park area. Curriculum enhancement for all of the classes in addition to improving children’s overall physical and mental health is the primary mission. Group meetings, special events, teacher retreats, summer camp, and after school programming will all connect to Garfield School’s mission of “Peaceful Kingdom” community school philosophy. Garden is measured 144 feet length, 66 feet width tapering to 46 feet in width (see diagram). Three themed garden areas slotted as Herb Garden, Butterfly Garden, Science Bed and outside areas allocated for all vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onions. Subsequent planning on Urban Farmer’s Market currently being proposed. Specific lot identified Project Timeline Stage 1 Construction of 6 foot fence with 2 gated and locked entrances. Both gates adhering to the conditions set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Materials: Fencing, posts, gates, locks, cement Stage 2 Construction of main habitat walking paths with 3 primary raised bed garden areas. Walking paths will be 4 ft. wide for easy access to garden areas, allow for two children to walk side by side and for wheelchair accessibility. Construction of birdhouses and installation of birdbath. Materials: Mulch, railroad ties or landscape timbers, geotextile, sod spikes, plant materials, birdhouse building materials (wood, nails, screws, and posts), and birdbath. Stage 3 Construction of picnic table seating and teacher podium. Installation of concrete walkway, extending from Logan Recreation Center to Garfield School parking lot (children currently have no safe, direct path in inclement weather) Materials: Wood, hardware, concrete
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