The Wharton Elementary School community gathered in celebration this past Saturday, September 21, as the PTO unveiled a seven-year project that has transformed the school’s grounds into a vibrant outdoor learning space. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which took place alongside the school’s annual Kickball Classic, marked the culmination of years of planning, fundraising, and community effort.
The new outdoor learning center, located at 705 North Mary Street, features a native plant and pollinator garden, a wildflower garden, 13 native canopy trees, and an expanded edible garden. These additions aim to enhance students’ education by offering hands-on experiences with nature, sustainability, and the local ecosystem.
The highlight of the day was the annual Kickball Classic, a cherished tradition and a significant fundraiser for the PTO. Teams made up of students, families, teachers, local police, and firefighters competed in a friendly tournament, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day’s festivities. The event fostered a spirit of community and collaboration, bringing together individuals from all walks of life in support of the school’s mission.
“We are thrilled to finally open this outdoor learning space,” said a Wharton PTO representative. “This project has been years in the making, and we are proud to offer our students a space where they can connect with nature, learn about the environment, and develop a sense of responsibility for the world around them.”
The new space is set to provide opportunities for experiential learning, allowing teachers to integrate outdoor lessons in subjects ranging from science to art. The edible garden will also offer students the chance to grow and taste their own food, promoting healthy eating and sustainability practices.
The Wharton Elementary PTO thanked the many volunteers, sponsors, and community members whose dedication made the project a reality. With the outdoor learning space now open, students at Wharton Elementary can look forward to engaging with the natural world in new and meaningful ways for years to come. For more photos, visit us on Facebook! Stay connected with Wharton ES by following them on Faceobok, click here.
