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Committee narrows outdoor classroom design to simple courtyard, weighs asphalt and shade-sail options
Summary
Design team proposed a simplified courtyard/outdoor classroom with two concrete classroom pads, an asphalt main walkway, ground-cover perimeters and removable shade sails; committee emphasized ADA access and ease of maintenance while asking for contractor pricing on material alternatives.
The Regional School District 13 building committee reviewed a pared-down courtyard plan intended to deliver outdoor learning space within a tight budget. The team recommended two defined classroom pads with an asphalt main path, simple ground-cover plantings around the perimeter and removable shade sails rather than permanent canopies.
"All we really want for the pad is something that's ADA accessible," said Howard Weisberg, summarizing the committee's priority for the outdoor classroom. Committee members discussed materials trade-offs: concrete pads can better define classroom areas and resist root damage around trees, while asphalt can be less expensive for the main walkway. Members asked staff to obtain unit prices for asphalt and concrete to support a final selection.
The design includes flexibility for future tertiary paths and features where students can add projects or exhibits; shade sails were recommended as reconfigurable, removable weather protection that would reduce initial costs and allow later upgrades if funding becomes available.
