A School that Knits Together Neighborhood, Park and Watershed - Viewlands ElementaryProject Title: A School that Knits Together Neighborhood, Park and Watershed - Viewlands Elementary Viewlands Elementary School serves the Broadview neighborhood, a diverse community with 37% of the student body in the free and reduced lunch program. In response to the school’s mission of every child known, safe, inspired, challenged, empowered, the project focuses on creating a welcoming and inclusive schoolyard supportive of the school’s environmental learning and arts-focused curriculum. From the moment students arrive on campus, marine-inspired paving patterns and stormwater gardens spark curiosity and set the tone for a day of learning that is playful and connected to place. Two lower terraces focus on play in all its forms, encouraging creative exploration, physical challenge and mental refresh. A dedicated outdoor classroom supports daily learning and is a launch spot for walking field trips into adjacent Carkeek Park. The school and park are part of the Piper’s Creek watershed with a salmon bearing stream that flows into the Puget Sound. Through comprehensive stormwater management, trail corridor improvements, and outdoor play and learning amenities, the schoolyard knits together neighborhood, park, and watershed to the benefit of the whole community. |