North LaFayette Elementary hosted the Grand Opening of the new Outdoor Classroom on Friday, March 12.
The new Outdoor Classroom has been in the works for over a year now and will be available to every class at North LaFayette Elementary, North LaFayette Elementary Principal David Schwind said.
Smores with campfire marshmallows were provided for all of those in attendance at the Grand Opening.
Schwind said after brainstorming about the project with LaFayette City Manager David Hamilton in June, Schwind reached out to Doug Ingram at Hammond Jones Hardware in LaFayette who provided the building material and construction was soon underway.
Construction was completed in around two months thanks to volunteer work from local contractor Daniel Johnson and the LaFayette High School Construction Class.
LaFayette Public Works employees also assisted in the construction.
“Thank you so much for your continued commitment to our school. The collaboration with LaFayette High School and the City of LaFayette has been incredible,” Schwind said. “The things the City of LaFayette has done for us over the past two years since I’ve been here have been absolutely incredible. Our front yard looks amazing and this (Outdoor Classroom) is going to be an area we can use and enjoy for many, many years to come.”
Teachers will be able to read to their students outdoors while the classes get the opportunity to enjoy learning in the outdoors. Hammocks will be added for students to sit in as they learn.
LaFayette High School Principal Maggie Stultz thanked Schwind and North LaFayette Elementary for their continued collaboration as well as the opportunity for the LaFayette High School Construction Class.