Left Image: Before Transformation / Right Image: After Transformation


Over $1.3 million has been raised to support green schoolyard redesign for this and four other schools in 2020.

The plan calls for an outdoor classroom with a covered pavilion that harvests rainwater to supply nearby raised-bed gardens. Solar panels could be installed on the pavilion. Over 31,000 square feet of asphalt will be removed and replaced with a turf ball field, a dozen stormwater trees, bioswales, and native grasses. Fences will be removed, bike racks installed, and a fruit orchard planted in the community-supported design which would manage over 38,000 gallons of stormwater with green infrastructure.


Conceptual Schoolyard Redevelopment Plan

The following conceptual redevelopment plan includes a fruit-tree orchard and raised-bed gardens.  However, the orchard will be replaced with shade trees, and the raised-bed gardens will be installed at a later date.

Review the school’s conceptual plan in greater detail, including designs, cost estimates, curricular connections, and maintenance considerations.


Green Team Documents & Resources

Meeting Minutes

Project Folder


Vision in a Nutshell

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Bioswales, a turf ball field, and an outdoor classroom with rainwater harvesting would manage over 38,000 gallons of stormwater. Fences and asphalt would be removed, native grasses planted, and artistic signs installed to create a more welcoming space, conducive to learning and usable by the public in Milwaukee’s 30th Street Corridor.

Please note that the conceptual redevelopment plan includes a fruit-tree orchard and raised-bed gardens.  However, the orchard will be replaced with shade trees, and the raised-bed gardens will be installed at a later date.

 

Westside Academy
1945 N. 31st St.
Milwaukee, WI 53208


School Snapshot

  • K3 - 5th Grades

  • 218 Students

  • 96.8% Reduced Lunch


Timeline

2018
Conceptual Design

2019
Fundraising

2020
Detailed Design, Permitting, & Construction

2021+
Maintenance & Programming


CONTACT INFORMATION

Mrs. Drane
Principal, Westside Academy
wrightrx@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Justin Hegarty
Executive Director, Reflo - Sustainable Water Solutions
justin.hegarty@refloh2o.com


Delores - 3.jpg

“I am elated that Westside Academy was selected to become a green school in the 30th Street Corridor. This initiative will provide environmental education and other benefits to students, teachers, parents, residents, the community and the City of Milwaukee. Redeveloping the playground as a space where students, teachers, and residents can learn about the need and importance of stormwater management, different types of gardens, food systems, and participate in environmental-educational field trips are powerful learning experiences and opportunities. Many communities and students (especially of color), across the United States, are not provided these opportunities. I appreciate Justin Hegarty’s and Mrs. Drane’s leadership on this initiative.”

— Delores Green, executive director, Renew Environmental Public Health Advocates, Inc.