Seven garden boxes have been built as part of the Don Ross Middle School Courtyard Revitalization project.
The project came to fruition last weekend on April 10, despite being put on hold a year ago when everything came to a halt due to the pandemic.
While behind the scenes, planning through the Action Team for Partnerships continued through the spring of 2020, things really picked up in the fall, with COVID-19 protocols in place, according to a news release about the project.
It all came together thanks to volunteers, including members of the Mens’ Shed and Don Ross parents and students.
This week is National Volunteer Week. The theme this year is “The value of one, The power of many.”
“Two years ago, the Don Ross Action Team for Partnerships; a group of volunteer parents, teachers, admin, and community supporters began planning a courtyard revitalization initiative that engaged a Grade 8 cohort in planning and school presentations to gather student input for its design. Students drafted ideas, presented and consolidated into a final plan for our courtyard,” reads the news release.
“The goal of this project is to create a more useful and enjoyable space, with an outdoor gathering circle, food and native plant gardens — a place to learn more about local food security, Indigenous food sources, pollination and cultural connections as well as a place for students to chill and connect with each other.”
Local businesses and organizations who have supported with materials, grants, guidance and volunteer time include:
SD48
Squamish Men’s Shed
Mamquam Edible School Yard
SolScapes
Squamish River & Watershed Society
Whole Kids Foundation
Squamish Community Foundation
Northwest Landscape Supply
Ken Harris & Sons Crane / Transport
Art Harry & Lenny Rubenovitch carved benches
Home Depot Foundation & local Home Depot Store
Squamish Arts Council
Cheakamus Centre
Rona
Starbucks & Nesters Market
Coast Aggregates- Landscape Depot
