Holy Family Catholic School

As Americans statistically spend more time indoors, we see our children affected by increased feelings of isolation, inactivity and behavioral disorders (Taylor & Kuo, 2009). Our wish is reverse this trend and contribute to our children’s health and well-being by creating a safe, beautiful garden space. There are intense health and therapeutic benefits tied to early childhood exposure to gardening. We will also concretely link the growing effort to our curriculum and giving bank. Our hope is to design a space where teachers can conduct outdoor lessons, coaches can incorporate collaborative activities and Girl and Boy Scout leaders can develop teambuilding activities. We currently have a large square of worn out turf on the school property that we have preliminary plans (attached) to transform into a natural playground (several grants in process) and garden. Our hope is that the benefits of the new playspace will include nutritional and educational growth and a love of the outdoors.