the Neighborhood Design Center

Schoolyards and Learning Environments

John H. Bayne Elementary School Outdoor Classroom

Since 2017, NDC has created outdoor classroom designs for the Treating & Teaching (T&T) program in Prince George’s County. This program trains teachers and school staff how to utilize and care for stormwater management installations at their schools.

NDC worked with John H. Bayne Elementary School’s Principal and five teachers to prioritize the school’s outdoor learning needs. After multiple meetings and site visits, NDC produced a design meeting the school’s needs.

    • Used the existing steep slope adjacent to the play court to create an outdoor amphitheater

    • Created seating by repurposing natural oak logs from a local municipality’s tree removal department

    • Reduced erosion and increased biodiversity in the landscape by planting native sedges and fragrant sumac on the slope

    • Implemented a shade structure over the amphitheater, concrete pavers, and a white board so that teachers can easily teach in all weather conditions.

Outdoor classroom designs created by Laura Robinson & Marita Roos

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