(left) Before Transformation. (right) After Transformation

Before Construction

Drone footage taken of the schoolyard during conceptual planning in 2020

Transformed Schoolyard

Drone footage taken after major reconstruction of the schoolyard in summer 2022

Conceptual Planning

Students, teachers and staff coming together to plan out how they want their schoolyard to look/

Conceptual Rendering of the Schoolyard

Dedicated Hawthorne Staff at the Beginning of Construction

Creating Pathways

Contractors created ADA accessible walking paths throughout the schoolyard.

Beginning Construction

Testing out the New Tot Lot

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s redevelopment included a brand new Tot Lot structure providing an exciting new place space with porous rubber surfacing and outdoor musical instruments

Exploration Pathways

Stepping Stones provide dedicated walking paths through bioswales to encourage play and exploration

Creating Nature Prints

Local wildlife footprints and leaf prints provide built-in tools for environmental education

Over $4.4 million was raised in 2021 to support the transformative schoolyard redevelopment projects at Nathaniel Hawthorne and four other MPS Schools. These holistic redevelopment projects remove large amounts of asphalt and replace it with green infrastructure, outdoor classrooms, school gardens, and improved recreational facilities to create vibrant, sustainable, educational learning environments that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits for the community.

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s conceptual plan called for the removal of approximately 35,813 sq. ft. of asphalt and replacing it with new green space and mixed-use recreation and educational areas. The design included an outdoor classroom area and green infrastructure features including bioswales and a large underground cistern. Additionally, the inclusion of a variety of native plants, allow for unique spaces on the schoolyard that can represent natural Wisconsin ecosystems. The plan manages approximately 84,353 gallons of stormwater per rain event.

The Plan

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

Vision in a Nutshell

Nathaniel Hawthorne School
6945 N. 41st St.
Milwaukee, WI 53209

SCHOOL SNAPSHOT

Grades: K3 through 5th
286 students
97% economically disadvantaged

TIMELINE

2020
Conceptual Design

2021
Fundraising

2022
Detailed Design, Permitting, & Construction

2023+
Maintenance & Stewardship

CONTACT INFORMATION

Shantee Williams – Principal
Nathaniel Hawthorne School
judeso@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Lauren Lepold-Schiro – Special Education Teacher
Nathaniel Hawthorne School
lepoldlr@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

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

“I believe that the students of Hawthorne would greatly benefit from an outdoor space that promotes healthy activity, play, and being able to learn in natural spaces!”

Lauren Lepold-Schiro – Special Education Teacher