New Directions Campus Renovation Project, Agua Fria High School District

New Directions Campus Renovation Project, Agua Fria High School District

New Directions Alternative Program

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Project Overview: The New Directions Campus Revitalization Project aims to enhance and beautify the outdoor appearance of our campus. This unique project will create a welcoming and vibrant environment for students, staff, and visitors. We will focus on key areas of the campus, including the front entrance, back area, landscaping, and basketball court. This initiative will also engage students, offering them hands-on learning experiences in gardening, design, and community improvement.

Project Objectives:

1. Front Area Enhancements:
   • Install a large, prominent sign at the front of the building that reads “New Directions Alt Program,” improving the school’s visibility and identity.
   • Beautify the area in front of the building by planting medium-sized trees and adding smaller rocks to create a balanced and welcoming landscape.
2. Back Area Improvements:
   • Paint a mural on the walls in the back area to add artistic value and transform the space into a more colorful and inviting environment.
   • Install a privacy tarp around the back gates to provide security while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
3. Landscaping and Planting:
   • Add more rocks, mulch, and a variety of plants, including trees and flowers, to enhance the greenery around the front of the building.
   • Include specific plants such as French marigolds, 3 lantanas, and 2 hibiscus to create vibrant flower beds.
   • Launch a student-led gardening project to grow vegetables and herbs, with some plants started indoors to teach students about plant propagation and sustainability.
   • Directly plant pumpkins and radishes into the ground, allowing students to monitor their growth and development.
   • Explore ways to propagate vine plants like sweet potatoes or start anew, beginning with two plants and possibly expanding based on initial success.
4. Basketball Court Updates:
   • Replace the current basketball hoop with a modern fiberglass model to improve safety and functionality.
   • Refresh the court and backboard with new paint to create a clean and polished look.
   • Replace outdated metal and concrete benches with wooden benches, offering a comfortable space for students to sit during outdoor lunch or recreational activities.

Garden Area Additions: In addition to the larger campus improvements, we plan to create a dedicated garden area to provide students with opportunities to connect with nature and gain hands-on experience in gardening. The garden will include:

• A 3ft. high wooden fence to enclose the garden area for security and structure.
• Three raised garden beds for planting fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
• Pavers to create small paths and walkways in the garden area, providing dimension and functionality.
• Small picnic-style benches and tables where students can enjoy lunch and relax outdoors.
• White paint to brighten up the metal bars on the windows, creating a clean and modern look.
• Additional greenery to make the open spaces more inviting and comfortable.
• A gazebo fixture to provide shade, allowing students to enjoy breaks outside in a pleasant and shaded environment.

Items to include in the garden area:

• Fruit tree(s) (any kind).
• Lantanas for colorful and low-maintenance landscaping.
• Garden plants like tomatoes, peppers, watermelons, and more.
• Pavers for edging to enhance the overall structure of the garden beds.
• Various garden bed types add variety to the planting space.
• Hibiscus and other vibrant flowers add color and beauty.

Project Impact: The New Directions Campus Renovation Project will significantly enhance the overall look and feel of our school, creating a more inviting and engaging space for students, staff, and the community. By involving students in the planting and upkeep of the greenery, we will promote environmental awareness and a sense of ownership in their surroundings. The updated basketball court, improved seating, and the new garden area will encourage physical activity, social interaction, and outdoor learning, while the mural and removal of window bars will contribute to a more welcoming school climate.