Barnstable School Committee renames Astro Park at BHS 'Red Hawk Ridge' after student vote

The Barnstable School Committee voted unanimously May 7 to rename the Cobb Astro Park at Barnstable High School "Red Hawk Ridge," following a student-led naming process and a committee discussion about the site's future use as an outdoor classroom.

The move comes after a student nomination and vote in which the winning entry, submitted by sophomore Summer Marides, prevailed in a close tally. "Red Hawk Ridge it is," said Martha, who led the naming effort and described plans to expand use of the space for curriculum-based lessons and student-created art.

Why it matters: Committee members said the relaunch is intended to return the park to active instructional use rather than letting it sit as a passive memorial or overflow space. The park was created by community volunteers and staff, including Mike Gaira and Mary Gaira, and committee members urged that the site’s history be preserved while making it a living classroom.

During the meeting, members discussed how to reconcile the student-selected name, which has an athletic connotation, with the park’s original astronomy and memorial purpose. "You wouldn't throw your football around in your classroom in the building, so you shouldn't be throwing your football around outside in your classroom," said Mike, arguing the space should be treated as instructional rather than recreational. Andre noted the student vote was close and asked that the committee make clear the park’s instructional intent going forward.

Martha described a relaunch plan that includes working with National Honor Society and graphic design students to create lesson plans and signage and to reintroduce the park to new teachers: "When you go to the ridge, it's where you're learning in a place that's different than normal," she said, describing planned curriculum uses such as outdoor Shakespeare lessons and other subject-based activities.

The committee approved the renaming by voice vote; the motion carried unanimously. Members said the administration will oversee signage and a program of classroom-ready activities so teachers can use the site without special permissions. The student who proposed the name received a gift certificate to the Hawks Nest; she was not present because of a tennis commitment.

Committee members also emphasized the need to protect memorial installations and artwork already on the site while reopening it for regular classroom use. The committee did not adopt new policy language at the meeting but signaled continued involvement in the relaunch process.