Glashan Public School’s paved-over schoolyard is one step closer to a becoming a genuine green space.
The Glebe Community Association has approved plans to contribute $2,000 to the greening project, says Tim Hore, education committee chair of the association.
The greening project is a major landscaping redevelopment aimed at transforming the school’s asphalt playground into a leafier, grassier place for students and area residents.
The Centretown middle school, serving students in Grades 7 and 8, has 400 students, with about 250 of those from the Glebe.
Hore, for example, has been a parent at the school for three years.
Angela Keller-Herzog has spearheaded the campaign as chair of the greening project.
“The education committee put a motion forward for some financial support because for us to be able to do all the ground work in one go, we definitely have a financial gap that we have to close,” says Keller-Herzog.
An emerald ash borer infestation initated the revitalization project, which is estimated to cost $250,000.
Some of the plans include a growing wall, trees on the south side of the school, wooden trellises to mark entrances, and an orchard.
At least $25,000 still needs to be raised, says Keller-Herzog, although, its hard to estimate at the moment.
Corporations, associations and individuals have donated to the greening project.
The committee is waiting to hear bids from construction companies to know exactly how much they will need for the green part of the plans.
Keller-Horzog says bids from companies will come in mid-December.
According to the project’s website, they have raised about $118,000.
The First Avenue Pubic School council has decided to give $5,000 and Mutchmor Public School council put up $500, says Hore.