Students at Trace Crossings Elementary School have a newly renovated courtyard and outdoor classroom to learn and play in. A ribbon cutting ceremony at the school brought together students, parents, and local elected officials to celebrate the new space.
Transforming an Overgrown Courtyard into a Student Learning Oasis
The courtyard was previously unusable due to overgrowth of plants and trees, sticker bushes, and uneven surfaces from rocks and broken concrete. The school worked with local landscape architects to develop a plan for the revitalization of the space.
The renovation plan outlined the removal of existing overgrown and diseased plants, the installation of an irrigation system, regrading of land, installation and modification of cement to provide safe walkways, installation of outdoor seating, garden beds, and turf for the outdoor classroom, and planting native plants.
The ribbon cutting marked the completion of Phase I, as a large portion of the space is now usable with benches, shade, and landscaping. The renovated courtyard provides a welcoming space for students, staff and the community to learn, collaborate and have fun together. Learn more about the project and Trace Crossings’ plans for Phase II in this video.
The Power of Outdoor Learning
Outdoor classrooms provide dynamic, hands-on learning experiences for students that stimulate curiosity and deepen understanding and appreciation for the world around them. They enable activities like gardening and ecosystem studies, cultivating a responsibility toward nature.
“Personally, I’m a big fan of anything outdoors. I’ve helped fund several projects in the district that do that, because I think there’s a lot to learn outside,” said Rep. Leigh Hulsey. “It’s a good thing for us to get outdoors, get a little fresh air, it gets teachers and kiddos out of classrooms, and provides them with a different environment to learn, talk, move around, and be less confining. I’m really excited about this project. I think it’s going to be an excellent addition for these kiddos and the faculty here and I’m thankful that we got to be a part of bringing some of those good old tax dollars back to Hoover.”
Beyond academic benefits, spending time outdoors promotes physical activity, which is crucial for children’s health. It also reduces stress, anxiety, and symptoms of ADHD, leading to better mood and focus.
“I get excited when I see those projects come about because it means young people are going to have an opportunity to see and learn about something different—not something that they see every day in a textbook in a classroom, but God’s world that He created, plants that are so much a part of our lives, and things of nature with this project here,” said Rep. Arnold Mooney. “It’s a great opportunity. I’m very thankful to have the chance to be a part of it!”
Community Partnership Makes Dreams a Reality
The space was made possible through support from the PTO in addition to a grant from Cawaco RC&D in partnership with the Alabama Legislature and a grant from the Hoover Beautification Board. This collaborative effort demonstrates how multiple organizations can come together to benefit students and the broader community.
“I think this is a fantastic project, and I’m really excited to see it coming to Trace Crossings. It’s a beautiful example of how the parents and students at the school, the local community through the Hoover Beautification Board, and the state legislature through [Cawaco RC&D] shows us how we can collaborate on various projects and have a greater impact for the students or community that we serve,” said Rep. Hulsey.
The project showcases the wide-reaching impact that grant programs can have on local communities and educational opportunities.
“There’s a broad range of opportunities available through the grants that [Cawaco RC&D does] to benefit life in our communities,” said Rep. Mooney. “If you’re going to serve in the legislature, the most important thing you’re going to do is to serve your people and see the chance for different organizations to prosper and for different schools to have a chance to introduce urban kids to the outdoors with a garden of this type.”
