Left Image: Before Transformation / Right Image: After Transformation
Fundraising is underway in 2020 to support the realization of Bay View Montessori’s conceptual schoolyard redevelopment plan.
Bay View Montessori’s conceptual plan calls for removal of approximately 30,000 square feet of asphalt and replaces it with new green space and mixed-use recreation and educational areas. The design includes a rainwater harvesting system with above-ground cisterns and two large underground cisterns. The inclusion of bioswales, native plantings, and stormwater trees allow for unique spaces on the schoolyard that can represent native Wisconsin ecosystems, complete with student-created signage. Additionally, the school’s location provides an unique opportunity to divert stormwater from an adjacent alley to further manage stormwater. The plan manages approximately 89,850 gallons of stormwater per rain event.
The conceptual plan defines four outdoor classrooms including a performance area, an informal breakout space, and existing greenspace that mimics a native Wisconsin forest. Wooden stumps, playmounds, and other features will provide flexible seating options while nearby green infrastructure including stormwater trees, bioswales, and native grasses will serve as unique learning environments. Educational and artistic signage throughout the schoolyard is intended to support student-curated tours and encourage learning through self-guided exploration. Rainwater harvesting will support nearby raised-bed gardens and further promote healthy food access.
The Plan
Review the school’s conceptual plan and summary brochure in greater detail, including designs, cost estimates, curricular connections, and maintenance considerations.
BVM wants to create a schoolyard that speaks to teachers and allows for natural exploration, important to the Montessori pedagogy. We envision our schoolyard to become a community space that neighbors visit and an important water reclamation site for Lake Michigan. The ripple effect from this project will inspire students to become environmental and community stewards.
Bay View Montessori
619 E. Dover St.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
School Snapshot
1st - 6th Grades
210 students
26% economically disadvantaged
TIMELINE
2019
Conceptual Design
2020
Fundraising
2021
Detailed Design, Permitting, & Construction
2022+
Maintenance & Stewardship
Contact Information
Heidi Panosh
Principal, Bay View Montessori
panoshh@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Jen Kubacki
Parent Coordinator, Bay View Montessori
kubackjs@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Justin Hegarty
Executive Director, Reflo - Sustainable Water Solutions
justin.hegarty@refloh2o.com
Children learn by making connections! The new green infrastructure will help children to feel connected to their environment, their community and to each other. By creating diverse green spaces that are easily accessible to the children, educators at BVM will be able to fully utilize our Montessori lessons. We will help our children become lifelong learners and leaders toward building a more peaceful and sustainable world.
—Angela Veternick, Lower Elementary Teacher & Green Team Member
Learn more about the other four schools in cohort 3
