By Anna Skinner
The Peace Poles that the students created during the week of the walk-a-thon. (Submitted photo)
In a field originally planned for a basketball court, Maple Glenn Elementary School is asking for a change in the development plan to allow for the construction of an outdoor classroom and greenhouse. The current standards of the zoning do not allow for building construction.
The proposal was introduced at the Westfield City Council’s Nov. 9 meeting and was forwarded on to the Advisory Plan Commission meeting for 7 p.m. Dec. 7, City Hall, 130 Penn St.
The field is on the northeast corner of Ditch Road and 171st Street. At the end of September, Maple Glen’s PTO held its second walk-a-thon to promote healthy living. Maple Glen decided to eliminate raising funds for the PTO through selling items and instead used a dunk tank as one of its donation incentives.
Overall, the walk-a-thon raised approximately $19,000. If approved, the outdoor classroom and greenhouse will be built by Estridge Farms and Heartland Growers. The funds will also be used for classroom enrichment, materials and programs.
During the week of the walk-a-thon, students painted Peace Poles to spread the message of peace. A butterfly garden and an outdoor orchard have already been established at the school.
“This is a worldwide project, and it was a joy to see MGES participate,” Ashley Knott, MGES PTO president said of the peace poles. “We are very excited about the future of our students, the garden and how our community can work together help each other, one seed at a time.”
To donate to the PTO, visit ptomges.org.
