New courtyard learning space for RCES
Rappahannock County Public Schools on Tuesday evening unveiled the elementary school’s new Courtyard Outdoor Learning Space.
A large crowd assembled as RCES Principal Ben Temple thanked the many organizations and individuals that collaborated to make this project possible for the students. Following a ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, everyone gathered in the new courtyard to view the amazing transformation that occurred over the summer.
The project was spearheaded by RappFLOW (Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watershed) after receiving a large donation from Beverly Hunter’s estate to be used for a special educational project. Additional support was provided by the generosity of The Headwaters Foundation, Piedmont Environmental Council-Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation, Northern Piedmont Community Foundation-Lykes Fund, Commit to Be Fit, and the PATH Foundation.
The impressive courtyard, dedicated in loving memory to Beverly Hunter, features a wooden learning pavilion located in the center of the large space. This outdoor classroom is equipped with an all-weather monitor, portable stools, and benches that convert to picnic tables for a flexible seating learning environment. One side of the courtyard is filled with large, raised plant beds and a greenhouse. The other side features a stone labyrinth dubbed the “mindful maze” and new water feature in the fish pond. A golden frog statue, which had belonged to Bev Hunter, rests alongside the pond.
“I am so happy with the way this has turned out — it is even better than I anticipated!” said Rachel Bynum, RCPS School Board Member and member of RappFLOW’s Education Committee.
“This project is near to my heart because it ties together our school's goals for a happy, healthy school environment: positive community engagement; project-based learning; more hands-on and farm to table activities; cultivating healthy personal habits of mindfulness and taking time to be outdoors, and growing pride in Rappahannock County,” she said. “Huge thanks to Hal Hunter, who spurred RappFLOW to think big when he donated, as a gift from Bev Hunter's estate, the seed money for an education project in honor of Beverly Hunter.”
The project could not have been possible without the hard work of others including Rick Lessard, Jane Smith and the Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists’ groups, Jen Perot, Janet Davis, Rappahannock Landscape and Nursery, Kevin and Aron Weisgerber, Garcia Tree Service, Rappahannock Regional Jail, and a crew of volunteers.
“It was rewarding to see everyone come together to produce such a beautiful learning environment for the students,” said Dr. Robin Bolt, RCPS Executive Director of Administrative Services. “In addition to the funders and community volunteers, I would like to thank Austin Payne and Philip Temple who served as interns and devoted their hours exclusively to the courtyard project. Also, I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the inmates from the Rappahannock Regional Jail who each completed over 64 hours of community service.”
Said RCPS Superintendent Dr. ShannonGrimsley: “It was so amazing to see a dream turn into a vision into a plan and now, a reality. What an amazing example of what we can accomplish together. “
The event concluded with a beautiful assortment of refreshments prepared by Kim Vest.