LEARNING LANDSCAPES The Ultimate Outdoor School Makeover CEFPI Southwest Region Annual Conference Denver, CO May 10, 2012 Carol Henry, PLA, ASLA, CEFPI Principal, Design Concepts Darin DeLay Denver Public Schools Project Manager, Learning Landscapes

Introduction I have long realized that we cannot have a great city and great neighborhoods without great schools Mayor Wellington Webb As a community, we receive so many benefits from ensuring that children receive a strong well-rounded education…Learning Landscapes is a perfect model of what can be accomplished when the private sector, public sector, and the nonprofit community are engaged and invested in a common goal. Mayor John Hickenlooper

Introduction Learning Landscapes are: Participatory landscapes that support outdoor learning with academic, physical education and socialization tools for school-age children. Multigenerational spaces for both students and the community An aesthetically pleasing focal point for the community.

History Since 1998, in partnership with Denver Public Schools, we have transformed 97 neglected public elementary schoolyards into attractive and safe multi-use parks tailored to the needs and desires of their neighbors and communities. $49 Million invested in construction Serves over 45,000 students daily 2009 Entrepreneurial American Community Award (DPS/UCD)

History Research Shows: Significant improvements in student CSAP writing scores due to outdoor environments for science and literacy (journal writing) according to DPS and DUs Urban Partnership for Improving Science Students are able to pay attention for longer periods of time on the same assignment outdoors and are more focused when they return to the indoor class work (Louv 2008) Highest ranking teaching strategy in a recent study was Enhanced Context Strategies, this included using the schoolyard for lessons (Scott et al 2005)

Program Elements Shade Shelter Community Gateway Outdoor Classroom Multi-Purpose Field Track Habitat Garden Student Learning/Community Garden Asphalt Hard Court Games Educational Elements/Theme Art Elements Play Equipment

Program Elements

Community Involvement

Educational Elements/Theming

Shade Shelters

Community Gateways

Multi-Purpose Field

Art - Artists

Art - Students

Music

Outdoor Classrooms

Natural Teaching Opportunities

Playground Equipment

Gardens - Student

Gardens – The Kitchen Community

Gardens – Denver Urban Gardens

Gardens – Urban Farming

Volunteers

Volunteers

Before and After – Beach Court ES

Before and After – Denison Montessori School

Results

Maintenance Denver Water credits for utilization of smart irrigation systems (iCentral)

Lessons Learned A future elementary school Fewer fights/bullying/trips to Principals office – conflict resolution Increased physical activity Improved outdoor opportunities tied to curriculum – Improved test scores Elevated learning curve in first months of opening new learning landscape Calculated risk taking skills – testing new boundaries Increased community involvement/ownership Increase/decrease in vandalism after hours Improved social skills Problem solving skills Real estate value increase Learning through play

Partnering Opportunities A future elementary school University of Colorado at Denver Denver Public Schools City and County of Denver Kaboom Play Equipment Kitchen Community and other local restaurants Slow Food Denver Urban Farms: Agriburbia, Revision International, Sprout City Farms Denver Urban Gardens for Community Gardens The Gates Foundation Americorps Comcast Target Home Depot Local businesses Local nurseries

LEARNING LANDSCAPES The Ultimate Outdoor School Makeover Questions?

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