Grenfell Elementary is currently undergoing a seismic upgrade. Thanks to the generosity of the BC Parks Foundation’s Learning by Nature Initiative, VSB received a grant to design and construct a nature park/outdoor learning space at the Grenfell site. The outdoor classroom will be adjacent to the seismically upgraded school. Grenfell students, together with project architects, representatives from the BC Parks Foundation and the City of Vancouver, and VSB staff gathered to co-design and provide input for the outdoor learning space. 

Students worked together in six collaborative groups. With the help of a project facilitator, students were shown possible design features. They also had the opportunity to include their own design concepts on Grenfell site maps. Discussions were lively and students in each group agreed on a design that contained 16 nature learning features. They then presented their ideas to all the attendees.

 Everyone was highly impressed by students’ in-depth and creative input. For instance, students presented strategies to achieve water conservation. Another group was concerned about the predators that could get into their butterfly gardens, so situated the bird feeder away from the insect hotel. Students also were very inclusive in their approach to the outdoor learning spaces.

It was a wonderful and engaging day. Thank you to all students for sharing their valuable insights!