A new playground at Eastern Mennonite Elementary School incorporates natural and reclaimed materials to create space for outdoor imaginary play and learning.<\/p>\n
Kendal Bauman and a host of volunteers \u2014 alumni, parents and high school students \u2014 developed the space over the summer to welcome the 95 EMS students at the beginning of the school year. They developed the playground adjacent to the school\u2019s elementary building \u2014 currently under renovation \u2014 between old and damaged tennis courts and the school\u2019s baseball field. <\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of sweat equity went into this project,\u201d reports Bauman, who taught middle and high school at EMS since 1992 and was boys varsity soccer coach for 20 years. \u201cI\u2019ve had a great time researching ideas to encourage gross motor skill development on a budget, using materials we had on hand and creating a welcoming environment for all ages and levels of activities,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cI so appreciate Kendal\u2019s hard work, enthusiasm and vision for this space,\u201d says Maria Archer, K-8 principal.<\/p>\n
EMES spent its first 11 years at sites away from the main school campus. \u201cWe were sad to leave our wooded play and exploring spaces when we moved from our 11 North site,\u201d says Archer. \u201cBut Kendal has taken a \u2018blank slate\u2019 and created something that is every bit as welcoming for our students. I know we have a great year ahead with PE and all our outdoor learning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Middle School Science Student Help<\/strong>
\nNext up: Seventh grade life science and eighth grade physical science students are helping with the next step: incorporating the enormous tractor tires that Bauman and Lee Good, earth science teacher, salvaged for the space. Calculating the mass and considering how much dirt needs to be moved to bury them vertically for climbing are among the questions they will research.<\/p>\n