Sustainable Schoolyard Concept Booklet

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard Signature Senior Studio Spring 2012 Christopher Versola

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard: Designing for learning and play in the Alps Road Elementary School landscape by Christopher M. Versola A Senior Design Project Presented to the College of Environment and Design University of Georgia Under the Direction of: Ashley Calabria In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Athens, Georgia Spring, 2012

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Contents

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard

Introduction

06

The Site

08

Conceptual Design

10

Master Plan

12

Site Plan

14

Site Features: Bioswales

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Site Features: Playgrounds

18

Documentation: Staking Plan & Construction Details

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Documentation: Grading Plan

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Documentation: Planting Plan

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Planting Palatte & Plant Schedule

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Acknowledgements & About the Student

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References & Work Cited

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Introduction

Schoolyard design presents unique challenges, from a limited selection of plant attributes to issues of safety. Public schools must face smaller budgets that cannot be allotted to landscapes or educating students outside prescribed testing boundaries. The idea of fun has been lost in its application as an aid in the advancement of learning and the concept of nature as a teacher has diminished to miniscule proportions.

In a public school district with a low per household income, school performance drops dramatically, as can be seen at Alps Road Elementary. Students are also often denied access to healthy sources of food, both at home and with the state-sponsored lunches. Incorporating healthy choices that students can grow themselves is an idea that could change the lives of these children dramatically and can change the way schools perform throughout the country.

It is the goal of the Sustainable Schoolyard to educate youth in ecology, sustainable food sources, and natural processes by rediscovering the incentives of fun and play and applying them to the landscape.

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard Local food production has received increased attention in the past few of years. The concerns for food security and safety and rising economic and environmental costs of nearly all aspects of food, from production to transportation, has increased dramatically.

A school environment creates the perfect opportunity to explore the benefits of local food production as well as increasing the knowledge about how food is grown and the implications of human actions in the environment. There is also significant research that supports simple gardening and natural exploration as positive factors in test scores and overall performance in school.

Ample acerage on school property and the ever-growing minds of students provide the best mixture for giving students the best chance to improve their health, their environment, and their futures.

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The Site

(1)

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard The site for the sustainable schoolyard is located at Alps Road Elementary School, at the corner of Alps Road and Baxter Street in Athens, Georgia (6).

Adjacent to the site are two very busy roadways and shopping centers and the nearby Middle School. There are also nearby residential neighborhoods to the south, across from the current bus and staff entrance.

Site evaluation recognized several issues with the landscape and how it currently impacts use of the site. Most of the usable space; the fields and the play areas (2,3,4,5) are exposed to street noise, winds, and the sun. Walking through such a landscape makes a user feel unprotected and barraged by winds and the excessive noise from the busy streets and parking lots. There are also a number of spaces that have no designated purpose and are, therefore, wasted space that is not taken care of. Topographic study shows that, though most of the site is relatively level, erosion issues from poor planning have created large rivulets in the fields and down-slope from the playgrounds.

(2)

(4)

(3)

(5)

(7)

(6)

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Conceptual Design

The final concept (3) chosen as the basis of the Alps Road redesign aims to expand the usable areas of the site. The service road that accesses Baxter Street will be removed and the Alps Road car entrance will be move to match up with the existing stop light (2). This will not only open up room to expand the natural woodland plantings and create vegetable gardens, but will also create a safer environment for traffic and pedestrians crossing the street. Bus and staff traffic will continue to use the secondary entrance to keep that traffic separate from parents dropping off their students and visitors. The staff parking lot will be expanded to maximize the use of the space and to make up parking spots taken away in the drop off redirection.

(1)

The playgrounds will be moved and consolidated into a larger play area, which will be easier to manage for teachers and staff. This large central play space will tie into the existing ‘Pat’s Patio’ and the future vegetable garden (1). Another vegetable garden may be incorporated into the design adjacent to the middle school to maximize sunlight and drainage. Fruit trees will create an orchard in the arms of the school wings to take advantage of the protection from the winds and elements. Bioretention and natural plantings will manage heavy storm events and direct flow into specific- and attractive- zones.

Slope remediation in the form of planted slopes and walls made of recycled materials will fix existing erosion and sediment problems that have come about with poor planning left over from the school’s construction. Specifically, the slope to the south and down-slope from the playgrounds will be the longest remidiation project on the site and calls for both a permeable, but stable, wall and a large bioswale/dry creek bed.

This concept aims to make a safe and fun environment for the students of this school and, using the design of the landscape, to create learning opportunities at every turn.

(2)

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard Open Fields

Vegetable Gardens

Natural Area

Bioswale

Hardtop Courts

Combined Playgrounds

Gym

Vegetable Gardens Bioswale

Bioswale

Slope Remidiation Bioswale

(3)

Bioswale Orchard

Car Traffic

Bus Traffic

Foot Traffic

Orchard

Alps Road

School Building

Bioswale

Slope Remidiation

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Master Plan & Schematic Design Baxter Street Expanded Woodland Area

Main Sign & Pedestrian Entry

Class Vegetable Gardens

Storage Barn & Compost Heaps Pat’s Patio

Play Field Observation Deck

The Clearing

B’ball Court & Bleachers

Playgrounds

Sidewalk to Parking Lots & Baxter St. Connected Bioswales/ Dry Creeks

Alps Road Gym Add’l Visitor Parking

Faculty & Staff Parking Lot

Bioswale

Orchard Vistor & Drop-Off Entrance

Footbridge Clarke Middle School

Orchard

Bus Loop

Main School Building Bus & Staff Entrance

Loading Dock Existing Bioswale

To Middle School Parking Lot

(1)

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard The Alps Road Elementary School master plan (1) focuses on making each activity a learning experience and, simply, a fun adventure. The project creates a strong attachment to natural processes and environments and a sense of safety from the surrounding street noises and wind gusts.

The playground (2) is placed under a grove of pines and oaks, offering shade and creating softly padded pine needle beds to cushion falls. Teachers and staff can supervise in various seating offerings as well as from the observation deck, which has views of the play areas, the fields, the wooded areas, the basketball court, bioswales, and the vegetable garden.

Vegetable gardens (3) create more learning opportunities for students to interact with growing and harvesting their own food; there are plots for each classroom to cultivate their own crops. The grassy fields offer unprogrammed space for the very active students and for large group activities, like the yearly field day. The woodland buffer and bioswales offer chances to explore nature and discover life’s natural processes.

(2)

“The Sustainable Schoolyard at Alps Road is a place of learning and exploration, as well as an environment for students to rediscover the love of being active in nature.”

(3)

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Site Plan Design for Learning Observation Deck

Central to the design of the schoolyard is the idea of learning from the environment. As can be seen in the enlarged site plan (1), and running along the natural low points of the site, the dry creek bed is planted with a variety of grasses, perennials, and shrubs that makes for the perfect opportunity for classes to explore. The playgrounds

Bioswales

B’ Small Footbridge

Wooded Playground Area Teacher & Lunch Seating Area

Gymnasium B

“They can experience nature in a setting many urban children grow up without.”

A Recycled Tire Retaining Wall Heavy Plantings

Main School Building

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard

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are replaced and consolidated to form a large, interconnected network of bridges and play towers among a forest of deciduous and evergreen trees.

Nearby benches and tables provide shade and seating for supervising teachers and staff. An important aspect to consider is the ease of access throughout the entire site. In this enlargement, sidewalk access can be seen throughout all ares and, most especially, from the drop off areas to the school entrances. The bus awning and the covered walkway connected to the gym also help to make every area accessible to as many students and visitors as possible.

To add to the fun, footbridges (2) cross the bioswales at key points in the landscape. There is a small bridge across from the observation deck and, as a design highlight, spanning the bioswale adjacent to the bus drop off area. This bridge creates a fun and unusual Sidewalk to Crosswalk Bioswales

Large Footbridge A’

(3)

(2) entrance to the school and allows for students to, once again, experience nature in a setting many urban children grow up without. The existing awning that provides some protection from the rain and elements when getting off the school bus or moving between the gym and the main school building is replaced with light-permeable structures (3) that, while protecting the students from rain, also cast interesting shadows and throws the light into interesting colors.

Bus Awning

(1)

For Section A-A’ see page 016 For Section B-B’ see page 018

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Site Features: Bioswales

Design for the Land One of the most important aspects of this project is to mix the idea of learning and sustainability. The best way to engage younger students in learning about their environment is to implement visually stimulating landscapes that encourage hands-on learning and exploration, either in large or small groups. The dry creeks, foot bridges, and plantings are all ways this plan attempts to engage the students with their surroundings.

Bioswales, one of the premier features of this site, are surrounded by masses (1) of shrubs, perennials, and grasses that create a range of textures, colors, and movements. Most of these plants produce ornamental berries and seed pods, perfect for art projects and ecology projects. When the bioswales are dry, students can clamber down and explore insects and plants as well as clean up trash as part of stewardship programs. After rain events, students can watch from the footbridges or along the banks as the dry creeks come to life with moving water and animal life. The footbridges (1,2) also make for a fun way to start off a school day- with a jaunt over a trickling stream after a rainstorm.

Gymnasium

A Covered Steps

Covered Walkway

Heavy Plantings on the Hill

Bioswale/ Dry Creek Bed

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard

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(2)

Bioswale

Small Footbridge Seating/ Eating Area Bioswales

Sidewalk

Large Footbridge

Bus Awning Main School Building Footbridge

Drop-Off Area

A’

(1)

(3)

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Site Features: Playgrounds

Design for Beauty

(1)

Throughout this design, the aesthetic appeal of every space takes a very major role. The idea of fun and laughter are evident in the playground equipment (5), some of which is made to mimic the trees in which it is built, while others are towers and castles in bright colors. Students on the playground will experience what it is like to be in the trees,with numerous bridges and ladders (2,3). A unique and most cherished experience for children is to experience being taller than adults, and will enjoy crossing sidewalks overhead.

A dense canopy of deciduous and evergreen pine trees will enclose the space and protect students and teachers from harsh sun or winter winds. Students will experience being in a wooded area which, for many children in an urban environment, is a unique experience.

To manage the slope and erosion issues along the southern edge of the playgrounds, a retaining wall will be built using recycled car tires (1). This presents yet another opportunity to educate students on the reusing of materials in a sustainable way. The wall can also be planted with flowers and other vining plants to help retain the soil and to further beautify the space.

(2)

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard

(3)

(4)

(5)

Recycled Tire Wall

Whimsical Play Structures

Sidewalk

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Staking Plan & Construction Details

UCT

R6: 27'

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK ED

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

This project has a number of site fixtures and elements. Notably, the tire wall is an exciting feature that presents a unique construction experience.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

2'

SURFACE MOUNT PLATES- 1 4" X 1 1 2" STAINLESS STEEL PLATE WITH 9 16" MOUNTING HOLE 1

2" X 5" STAINLESS STEEL ANCHOR BOLT

(1)

WIDE NYLON WEBBING

2X2" WOOD STAKE AT GRADE OR BELOW

R4: 25'

COMPACTED SUBGRADE

R5: 43'

RECYCLED TIRES, SOIL-PACKED PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

REBAR #2 5' O.C. 3'-3"

3'

1'-3" 11"

COMPACTED SUBGRADE

2'-10" 2'

(3)

RECYCLED TIRES, SOIL-PACKED

1'-5"

SURFACE MOUNT PLATES- 1 4" X 1 1 2" STAINLESS STEEL PLATE WITH 9 16" MOUNTING HOLE

1'-9" REBAR #2 5' O.C.

1

2" X 5" STAINLESS STEEL ANCHOR BOLT

2" SETTLED LAYER OF MULCH

BROOM FINISH

EXPANSION JOINT 1" POLY MATERIAL W34.2

Y AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT SLOPE= 1/4" : 1'-0"

CURB OR CURB & GUTTER

FINISH GRADE

(2)

3'

1'

4"

TILLED OR BROKEN UP SOIL MIN 12" DEEP 2X WIDTH OF ROOTBALL

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

1/3 TREE HEIGHT

ROOT CROWN TO BE AT (OR 2" ABOVE) GRADE

R4 CENTER

(5)

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

2'-10"

3'

PROPOSED TIRE WALL

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

1'-3"

1'-9"

R6 CENTER

Parents and members of the local community may join in the handpacking and placing of recycled tires to form the long retaining wall that will support the playground area and provide a planted backdrop for the bioswale.

3'-3"

1'-5"

SMALL FOOTB PROPOSED CONCRETE SIDEWALK (SEE DETAIL, SHEET)

BROOM FINISH

EXPANSION JOINT 1" POLY MATERIAL W34.2

(4)

CURB OR CURB & GUTTER

COMPACTED SUBGRADE

SLOPE= 1/4" : 1'-0" 4"

NOTE: TO BE USED WHERE ADJACENT TO CURB OR CURB AND GUTTER 6X6 - WI.4 X WI.4 WWF

COMPACTED SUBGRADE NOTE: TO BE USED WHERE ADJACENT TO CURB OR CURB AND GUTTER

6X6 - WI.4 X WI.4 WWF

PRO

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard

DUCATIONAL PRODUCT

8'-3"

BRIDGE

10'-4"

R3: 43'

EXISTING CONCRETE WALKWAY

EXISTING SCHOOL BUILDING

11"

66'-9" 6'

10'-8"

3'

1'

R2: 32'

15'-2"

R2 CENTER 41'-4"

23'-11"

69'-2"

19'-6" R1 CENTER PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

51'-8"

R1: 31'

57'

58'-10"

EXISTING COVERED WALKWAY

21'-9"

EXISTING CONCRETE WALKWAY

15'-9"

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

16'-11"

8'-10" 41'-11"

ONCRETE WALKWAY

DRY CREEK BASIN ROUGH OUTLINE, TYP.

16'-3"

6'-8" 34'-3" P.O.B.

15'-2"

EXISTING SCHOOL BUILDING

DRY CREEK CENTERLINE ROUGH 2.5' ON EITHER SIDE, TYP.

42'-4"

COVERED WALKWAY/ BUS AREA 33'-3"

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

Grading Plan

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(1)

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(3)

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(2) Alps Road Elementary sits on a relatively flat piece of land. Because of cheaper construction costs and the ease of maintenance, much of the landscape is flat and grassy, with some slope for drainage. However, there are serious existing issues with hydrology, namely the amount from such a large watershed area with inadequate drains (1) and erosion control issues, stemming from lack of vegetation (2).

To rectify these issues from a land-forming standpoint, soil will be moved to form the main bodies of the bioswales (3) and the rest of the topo lines will be moved to accommodate such flow. The areas south of the playground will divert flow back to the bioswales to solve flooding on top of the sidewalks, and the subsequent degradation of the concrete.

Y AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

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Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard 3

2

720

72

721

72 1

72

72

719

7

72

726

72

4

725

724

726

725

723 719 718

723

720

72

LP: 718

FFE: 721

721

718

72

2

0

72

1

722

TD: 719 BD: 717

0

72

LP: 718

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72 4

726

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

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Planting Plan

PT (5) PVD (40)

PT (5)

CA (3)

IV (13)

The Alps Road Elementary site presents a great opportunity to express form and plant selection through vegetation. Whether looking at the creation of the natural wooded areas or the dry creeks (2), this area has a number of different levels of plant design.

The bioswales will be heavily planted, both among the rocks and along the banks, to manage soil erosion and to help clean runoff before it percolates back into the soil. Along the hillier areas, especially around the gymnasium, heavy masses of shrubs and grasses (1) will maintain the slope and create huge swaths of color and texture at different times of the year. With wind movement, these plantings will come alive and large areas of grasses will show off a beautiful rippling effect.

Retaining Wall

(1)

(2)

CA (16) PVD (6)

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard

PVD (53) Gymnasium

CA (2)

CL (500)

IV (4)

MC (625)

CA (3) IV (3)

Bioswale Basins

CA (11) PVD (18) CA (10)

PV (typ.)

MG

PVD (63)

CL (553)

PVD (48)

MC (372) PVD (18)

CA (8)

PVD (18) MC (125)

IV (10)

Main School Building

MV (4)

CL (375)

Bus Awning

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Plant Palatte & Schedule

(2) (3)

(1)

(5) (4)

(6)

(7)

(8)

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard Code Name Deciduous & Evergreen Trees MV Magnolia virginiana MG Metasequoia glyptostroboides PT Pinus taeda QL Quercus lyrata Deciduous & Evergreen Shrubs CA Callicarpus americana IV Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ Herbaceous Perennials & Grasses CL Chasmanthium latifolium MC Muhlenbergia capillaris PV Panicum virgatum PVD Panicum virgatum ‘Dwarf ’

Quantity

Size

Spacing

Sweetbay magnolia Dawn Redwood Loblolly Pine Overcup Oak

6 2 33 6

6” cal.

18” cal.

12” cal.

18” cal.

-

American Beautyberry Virginia Sweetspire

43 58

3 gal.

3 gal.

4’ O.C. 3’ O.C.

River Oats Pink Muhly Grass Panic Grass Dwarf Panic Grass

1428 1122 23 153

1 gal.

1 gal.

3 gal.

1 gal.

2’ O.C. 24” O.C. 3’ O.C

Plant selection for this project is a crucial step in the design. Plants for a space that involves such close proximity to young children limits the selection to those that are safe to ingest and touch and that can withstand being ‘explored’ by children.

The large trees for the site (1, 5, 8) are included to provide needed shade and protection from the wind as well as create soft beds of pine needles for the play areas, in the case of the evergreens. Grasses such as the Inland Sea Oats (4), Panic Grass (2), and Pink Muhly Grass (6) create a cacophony of textures, most especially on windy days. Perennials such as Virginia Sweetspire (3) and American Beautyberry (7) create seasonal interest and put forth colorful berries and flowers.

Many of the plants have cones, berries, and seed pods that can be used in art projects and for ecological classes. These allow students to literally get their hands on their environment and, alongside the vegetable gardens, give them the best opportunity to learn about what nature produces.

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References & Works Cited References Berkely Edible Gardens. org. Berkely University. Web. 27 April 2012.

Sustainable Schoolyard. org.The American Farmland Trust & Affiliated Organizations. Web. 27 April 2012.

The Edible Schoolyard Project. org. The Edible Schoolyard Project & Affiliated Members. Web. 27 April 2012.

Works Cited for Images, by page

(Uncited images property of Christopher Versola)

Title through Contents: “Child Shelling Peas.” Photograph. FugoOlive. Top Vegetable Tips. 26 April 2012. Web. 27 April 2012. http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&biw=1255&bih=639&tbs=isz: l&tbm=isch&tbnid=8z49QCyWrV5OtM:&imgrefurl=http://greeningsamandavery.typepad. com/greening-sam-and-avery/guest-bloggers/&docid=lH0YUEx_heZEtM&imgurl=http:// greeningsamandavery.typepad.com/.a/6a0133eff5c775970b013488c72936970c-800wi&w=80 0&h=1200&ei=4DSbT7bUAZKE8QToyvyeDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=285&vpy=141&du r=18&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=129&ty=171&sig=112651861262186209938&page=1&tbn h=130&tbnw=87&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:73 “Child with Apples.” Photograph. Dovelands Primary School. Meals. Web. 27 April 2012. http://www.google.com/imgres?start=69&num=10&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&biw=1255&bi h=639&addh=36&tbs=isz:l&tbm=isch&tbnid=nVngV8jCv4cLSM:&imgrefurl=http://www. dovelands.leicester.sch.uk/meals.php&docid=TZImkgBjBhBscM&imgurl=http://www.dovelands.leicester.sch.uk/images/photos/IMG_8509t.jpg&w=874&h=1311&ei=qgObT-m4Aok8gSZ1eicDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=563&vpy=249&dur=1831&hovh=275&hovw=183& tx=88&ty=182&sig=112651861262186209938&page=4&tbnh=152&tbnw=90&ndsp=25&ve d=1t:429,r:3,s:69,i:117 “Green Fruit.” Photograph. Panorama Bangladesh. Photos. Web. 27 April 2012. http://www. panoramabangladesh.com/bigphotos/fruits%20&%20vegetables_112_5613.jpg “Children in Circle.” Photograph.

Introduction: “Children Playing Tag.” Photograph. Let’s Move USDA. Photos. Web. 27 April 2012. http:// multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/adcouncil/48526/ “Garden Panorama.” Photograph. Queensland Food Blog. Web. 27 April 2012. http://sgneist. files.wordpress.com/2009/12/panorama1.jpg “Tomatoes on Vine.” Photograph.

Site Plan: “Footbridge.” Photograph. Cycling Chronicles. Web. 27 April 2012. http://www.neccfl.com/ pictures/utbt/drycreek2.jpg “Clear Awning.” Photograph. Window Treament Ideas Blog. Web 27 April 2012. http://www. windowtreatments-ideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Backyard-Awning-Ideas.jpg

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard Site Features: Playgrounds “Tire Wall.” Photograph. Web. 27 April 2012. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_elPKTkSHOhE/TEDcf5bfKI/AAAAAAAACs0/SSGOGfgSB4I/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG “Tree Playground.” Photograph. Web. 27 April 2012. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1MTbPnnN3lE/ THudToxObiI/AAAAAAAAEXE/0j1KFA5AmHU/s1600/109.JPG “Child Bridge.” Photograph. Entertainment Designer. Web. 27 April 2012. http://entertainmentdesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/tower-playground-bridge.jpg “Pine Tree.” Photograph. Tree Images. Web. 27 April 2012. http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.250809690.jpg Planting Plan: “Dry Creek.” Photograph. Pine Hurst Seattle. Web. 27 April 2012. http://www.pinehurstseattle.org/ blogger/1.bp.blogspot.com/_i7Z86WZgIVA/SKWX6K1t4nI/AAAAAAAAAjk/OQgF4S1v-NA/ s1600-h/IMG_2454.JPG Plant Palatte & Schedule: “Loblolly Pine.” Photograph. Wikipedia. Web. 27 April 2012. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Pinus_taeda_loblolly_pine_large_crown.jpg “Sea Oats.” Photograph. Web. 27 April 2012. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Tzx9P0orfSM/TJy6Kdve9lI/AAAAAAAAAYI/CoK34Pk--hY/s1600/Northern+Sea+Oats.JPG “Panic Grass.” Photograph. Online Plant Guide. Web. 27 April 2012. http://www.onlineplantguide. com/Image%20Library/P/6188.jpg “Sweetspire.” Photograph. Gardener Guy. Web. 27 April 2012. http://www.gardenerguy.com/Virginia_sweetspire.jpg “Overcup Oak.” Photograph. Natural Landsape Nursery. Web 27 April 2012. http://www.naturallandscapesnursery.com/White%20Oak.JPG “Muhly Grass.” Photograph. Web. 27 April 2012. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TbCSpAhTsQY/ TS570wJq-jI/AAAAAAAAACQ/B_4nz0ezj4M/s1600/PINK+MUHLY+GRASS.jpg “Beautyberry Bush” Photograph. George Weigel. Web. 27 April 2012. http://georgeweigel.net/wpcontent/uploads/2011/11/american.beautyberry.jpg “Dawn Redwood.” Photograph. Wikipedia. Web. 27 April 2012. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/The_Dawn_Redwood_in_leaf.JPG “Dried Sea Oats.” Photograph. IAState Extension Service. Web. 27 April 2012. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/reiman/NorthernSeaOats.jpg “American Beautyberries.” Photograph. NYBG Online. Web. 27 April 2012. tp://www.nybg.org/ plant-talk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/NYBG-Japanese-Beautyberry.jpg “Sweetbay Magnollia Flower.” Photograph. Web. 27 April 2012. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CQYz86pv6pM/TSPmbKAt6-I/AAAAAAAAVn4/KvtI_wnpVxs/s1600/IMGP4278p.jpg References & Works Cited: “Garden Border.” Photograph.The Garden Buzz. Web. 27 April 2012. http://thegardenbuzz.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a5102858970b014e8b36496d970d-800wi About the Student: Kyle Willams. “Chris Versola.” Photograph. 2011, Athens, Georgia.

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Acknowledgements & About the Student

Special Thanks to: Joshua Buce Dani Buchner Ashley Calabria Adria Cassese Kathryn Johnson Joshua Hanna Philippa Ighodaro Chelsea Jones Cecile Martin Caroline Paris Ansley Tuten Christopher Stokes Karen & Rey Versola Nathan Wayne For all your help, along the way.

Shaping the Sustainable Schoolyard

My name is Christopher Versola and I am a graduate of the University of Georgia’s School of Environment & Design in the program of Landscape Architecture.

I intend to go on to work in the field in areas related to sustainable design, environmental remediation, and the establishment of local food.

I want to thank the individuals listed on the facing page for their help throughout the 5 years I have been at the University or, for some of them, my entire life. It is to these people I owe my success as a student, as a professional, and as a person.

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