SCHOOLGROUND GREENING PROJECT EXAMPLES.	Return to www.trails.org

Beyond The Blacktop- School Ground Greening from Steve Turcotte on Vimeo. Schoolground Greening at Nathan Clifford Elementary Over 30 parents, students, and volunteers gathered on a Saturday in April 2004 to spruce up the grounds at Nathan Clifford.  In addition to building the raised garden beds, they removed a scratchy, garbage-clutching barberry bush which from the right front steps and planted a lilac bush to match the one on the left.  They also planted hosta along the side steps, dogwood bushes to screen the garbage bin area, a large forsythia near the entrance to the playground and cafeteria, and many other donated or purchased shrubs and perennials around the building. The following September, more parents and students gathered to plant hundreds of flowering bulbs.  We are looking forward to a burst of color in the spring! What a difference this has made to the appearance of the grounds!  In turn, we know it makes a difference to students, teachers, staff and parents who spend so much time at the school.  Stay tuned for more news about this school, where there is a lot of energy focused on schoolground projects!   "Bringing gardens into a playground environment can present a challenge" Raised Beds at Nathan Clifford Elementary School, Portland Bringing gardens into a playground environment can present a challenge:  How do you place them so they are easily accessible, have a visual impact of added green-ness, and are able to withstand the wear and tear of playground activity?  At Nathan Clifford, the only unpaved areas were the field, the playground, and two very small areas next to the building and a bench.  We chose this area because we would not need to remove pavement and it is right next to a hose bib for ease of watering.  Also, projects like this which are placed closer to buildings tend to be perceived as more "permanent" structures and experience less vandalism.  A raised garden bed is also far less subject to trampling that happens naturally in a play area.  Finally, the height (about 2 feet) puts the plants at eye-level and arm's reach for easy interaction. The beds are constructed of cedar posts which were buried 2 feet and footed on sand (we would have used gravel if the sand hadn't been there) for rot-resistance.  The posts will grey naturally.  The uneven top edge and organic shape (vs. a rectangular shape with squared posts) means no sharp edges or corners. The beds were planted with donated perennials from parents and neighbors. Top TREE CIRCLE AT NATHAN CLIFFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Portland Nathan Clifford's large playground area features a small field, a large expanse of asphalt, an equipment area, and no trees.  As part of a larger effort to improve the overall grounds, parents decided to first raise money for a tree.  Portland Trails helped to facilitate the approvals for placement and design, which includes a circle of boulders around the tree and some creatively placed brick (reclaimed).  PT also contributed funding to help pay for the materials and construction, and helped organize some volunteer labor. TREE CIRCLE AT NATHAN CLIFFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Portland Tree choice is important!  This tree is a Celebration Maple, a hybrid of red and silver maple.  It is a medium-sized tree that is fast-growing, with a strong branching structure and dramatic and varied foliage through the seasons.  It will grow to about 45 Feet. The investment in boulders was for several reasons.  First, trees have a low survival rate on schoolgrounds due to the constant compaction of soil around their roots by small feet.  They are quite literally "loved to death"; kids enjoy swinging around the trunks of the young trees and pulling on branches. The protection of the boulders is enough to decrease this kind of impact. But they also serve as seats and as stepping rocks for kids to walk around on, practicing balance and playing games of their own creation.  When feasible, it is great to have a schoolground feature serve as many purposes as possible. Top