7.5. SR 12-21-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Elk River Area Schools Handke Family Center Elk River, Minnesota Nature Explore Classroom Concept Plan October 2008 Narrative to the Concept Plan provided by James R, alike, ASLA, RLA and Vicki Bohling, Dimensions Educational Research Foundation ' The Nature Explore Program is a joint effort of Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation in collaboration with organizations such as U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, American Society of Landscape Architects and many others who are committed to re-connecting children with nature. This concept plan has been developed based on field-tested, research based principles for creating effective spaces that support children's interactions with the natural world (see page 5 in the Learning With Nature Idea Book). The entire space is divided into discrete activity areas. By providing a complete mix of activities, children with a variety of needs and .learning styles are engaged. By keeping areas separated, behavioral issues are reduced. The space will be inviting to many community groups (youth enrichment, senior programs, general public use, etc.), but will be used primarily by Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classes. Though the overall design implementation will be spearheaded by Elk River Schools, there is a desire to collaborate in the long term with local parks, nature centers, and community organizations as spaces begin to take shape 'and public use broadens. Following are brief descriptions of each of the areas in the plan. RECOMMENDED AREAS Entry Feature The difference between the four existing conifers will be split to create a primary entry on the south side. The goal is to bring the entry scale down to approximately six feet with adequate space to walk/move through: Bringing the scale of the entryway down, reinforces the experience of passing from one space into another. Consider constructing an arbor with a gate locally rather than ordering from a catalog to create an entry feature that is functional but has a story. to tell. The gate can be added later, but will need to be compatible with the arbor and light enough not to injure with its momentum. A second entryway marked "M" is located on the north side for maintenance access. Open Area This area provides space for large movement activities and is located close to other "action" areas, such as Climbing and Crawling and Music and Movement. Because the design was developed to accommodate all of the supplemental areas requested, there is not a great deal of 1