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.
Vision in a Nutshell
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
“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.