School Description
Charles M. Schenck Elementary school, pictured at right, was constructed in the Summer of 1956 to house 540 students for the growing population of the Mar Lee Neighborhood. The elementary school, located on the corner of West Louisiana and South Lowell Boulevard is named for a prominent citizen and school board member who passed away in 1933.
CMS Community School
Construction Date
2005
Landscape Architect
GPD Land Design
Play Equipment Vendor
Miracle Recreation Equipment Company
Master Plan
Vision
Overall, the design 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 design seeks to accommodate differences in gender, learning style, and personality through creation of various kinds and sizes of spaces. The design strives to include art, culture, science, and math within a hands-on outdoor environment.
Goals
- Promote participatory, hands-on learning through outdoor settings.
- Create an environment that stimulates imagination.
- Make a fun, peaceful place to be and play.
- Create a focal point for the neighborhood and a place of pride.
Construction Documentation
Description from Architect
Through workshops with the kids and teachers the master plan intent of Schenck Elementary school became one of color and excitement as is inspired by the Latin American culture. Designed as a learning landscape, a design concept that incorporates participatory learning elements with recreational play. The site is a functional park for the surrounding urban neighborhood which is largely devoid of green spaces. The project scope included a master plan report, budget, and master plan rendering.
Illustrative Plan
Construction Drawings
Play Equipment
Shade Structure