Three plans presented for new Chester Arthur Elementary schoolyard
Chester Arthur Elementary School at 2000 Catharine St. is in the process of planning a new schoolyard.
Three plans were presented last week by SALT Design Studio, but it’s not too late to participate if you weren’t able to attend the meeting. You can still vote and give feedback on your favorite plans for this new space for the school.
So what are the schoolyard concepts?
Concept a: “This scheme features a series of connected multi-purpose rooms, inspired by the school courtyard gardens along Catharine and Webster Streets. A community gateway on 21st Street provides a new entrance to the schoolyard through the southern half of the site. Outdoor rooms offer distinct zones for recreation, learning, and stormwater management. The school parking lot is reconfigured with an entrance on 21st and exit on Catharine Street. Its location provides safe, efficient circulation and allows for stormwater to be captured in rain gardens and throughout the schoolyard.”
Concept b: “This scheme utilizes the existing parking lot and transforms the remaining schoolyard with a large, flowing landscape berm and outdoor amphitheater. Functioning as a play element, a stormwater infiltration area, and an outdoor learning and performance space, the “learning curve” creates a lively and dynamic forum for education and recreation. A community gateway is located along Catharine Street, with additional pick-up/drop-off access on Webster Street near the southwest corner of the school building. The existing parking lot is redesigned to manage stormwater through bioswales, and to provide a green and shady buffer with increased tree canopy.”
