School Description
Knapp Elementary is located in the center of a bilingual community in the Westwood area of west Denver, which services 650 students from Early Childhood Education through Grade Five. Approximately 75% of our students are English Language Learners; therefore, our expertise is providing English Language Development. We embrace the Mexican-American culture by celebrating and respecting traditions of our community. At Knapp, we believe that education is the development of the whole child. Reading, writing, math and science are an integral part of our day along with Music, PE, Art and Technology. We are thrilled to be the only school west of the Mississippi River to participate in the Horizons Enrichment Program at the Colorado Academy. In addition, we were selected to receive the Book Trust program. Our students receive free books of their choice each month through the Scholastic Book Club beginning in Kindergarten and First grade.
Learning Landscapes Description
This multi acre site plan draws upon ancient South American cultures for inspiration and addresses community concerns that include seating, shade, parking, outdoor gathering places, and recreational opportunities.
Knapp Elementary School
Construction Date
2002
Landscape Architect
Design Concepts
Play Equipment Vendor
Rocky Mountain Recreation
Master Plan
Vision
Redesign of the playground will stimulate play as well as catalyze learning in the landscape: both are afforded through traditional play equipment and non-traditional, pluralistic elements. Inclusion of outdoor learning activities encourages observation and creative thinking. The redesign seeks to accommodate differences in gender, learning style, and personality through creation of various kinds and sizes of spaces. The design strives to include math, science, language, and art within a hands-on outdoor environment. The naturalized site improvements promote knowledge of and respect for nature, biology, and ecology through increased visitation, understanding, and interaction with wildlife, plants, and natural processes. The larger community will benefit not only through the gains of its children, but also through the site’s design as a community focal point. The redesign mitigates functional deficiencies of the grounds, including safe play, drainage, parking, and pedestrian safety. In addition, the increased respect shown to the school grounds reflects the value of Knapp Elementary as a whole.
Goals
- Promote participatory, hands-on-learning through outdoor settings.
- Actualize the school as a community resource and focal point.
- Improve the quality and quantity of outdoor recreation/play opportunities.
- Create a safer and more functional campus.
- Improve the overall appearance and ambience of school and grounds.
Design Development
Construction Documentation
Description from Architect
Improvements at Knapp include a custom shade shelter, gateway, swing area, and long jump pit.
Illustrative Plan
Construction Drawings
Play Equipment
Shade Structure