megram - Index

megram - Guide To Spring Fun In Ottawa's West End - Index

barrows and shovels, ready to work,” says Jane. “There were
so many people that we got it all done in half the time we
expected.”
The design of the schoolyard features open spaces for
a variety of sports and games, sheltered green spaces for
quiet play and other social activities, and outdoor classroom
spaces. There is even a butterfly garden.
“In the spring every class will have a turn to take ownership
of the gardens and make sure that the watering gets
done,” says Micheline, noting that hoses and other outdoor
equipment were donated by area businesses.
Just over a year after accepting its first students, the
schoolyard at St. Emily Catholic Elementary School is well
on its way to a total transformation. Seven different play
structures, catering to a variety of ages and abilities, have
been ordered and will be installed this spring.
“Being a volunteer in my children’s school has enabled
me to juggle both their needs and my own,” explains Jane.
Councillor Desroches does not hesitate when asked
about Jane’s contribution: “Jane has been fantastic. I
applaud her determination to see the project through. She
worked with the city to make an investment in the school
and the community.”
Adds Suzanne, “We wanted to make a difference and
we have. It’s been very rewarding.”
Karen Secord is a writer from Westboro.
HARMONY GARDENS
LANDSCAPING INC.
Complete Landscaping • Complete Property Maintenance • Deliveries
By Horticulturists
• retaining and garden walls
• spring/fall cleanups
• interlocking: driveways, walks, patios
• lawn & bed maintenance
• flagstone walkways & patios
• flower bed design & installation
613 838-4066
harmonygardens@sympatico.ca
www.harmonygardenslandscaping.com
• fieldstone pathways
• sod installation
• small loads delivered
• ponds & waterfalls installation
• firewood for sale
• lawn care programs
Residential, Industrial, Commercial & Institutional Services
Fully Insured • WSIB coverage • Free estimates
Due West Magazine • Page 30 • Spring 2008
Schoolyard
transformation
resources
Video and book by Ann Coffey: Asking
Children, Listening to Children
Book by Ann Coffey: A Guide to Transforming
School Grounds
Book by Ann Coffey: School Grounds in a Box
Book by Wendy Titman (limited availability):
Special Places, Special People
These resources are available through the
Canadian Biodiversity Institute website
(www.biodiversityonline.ca/schoolgrounds) or
by calling Heather Hamilton, Executive
Coordinator, at 613 826-2190.
City of Ottawa Grants
Green Partnership program: for the cleaning,
greening, and beautification of Ottawa. For
more information on how to apply, e-mail
green-ecolo@ottawa.ca.
TREE program: To request an application
form for the Community TREE Planting
grant program, e-mail TREE@ottawa.ca or
call 613 580-2424, ext. 1TREE (18733).
In Progress
Completed
PROFESSIONAL MEMBER 2008