Local volunteer outlines 'Wild and Wonderful Schoolyard' at Capon Bridge Elementary; requests help and publicity

Beth Reese, a grandmother, former teacher and volunteer with the Capon Bridge schoolyard committee, briefed the Hampshire County Commission on the “Wild and Wonderful Schoolyard” project at Capon Bridge Elementary and asked for publicity and community support.

Reese said the plan envisions 10 outdoor classrooms linked by a walking trail with educational signage to connect the schoolyard to Todd Giffen Memorial Park and nearby Fort Edwards. She described student and community involvement in design and construction, and said teachers report improved student engagement and morale from outdoor learning. “It is the bridge space between community and school,” she told commissioners, adding that students help build and maintain elements such as planting trees and murals.

Reese said the school is fundraising to complete a “friendship garden” and other elements; she noted the project is largely volunteer-driven and uses modest donations, grants and a public GoFundMe campaign. She asked commissioners to help spread the word to increase donations and community involvement. Commissioners thanked her for the work, noted the item was informational and not on the agenda, and declined to deliberate since formal decisions require an agenda item and staff follow-up.

Reese provided printed materials and offered to share research on outdoor learning outcomes and plans that address liability and codes through a volunteer landscape-designer partner. Commissioners encouraged the community effort and expressed appreciation for the volunteer work.