Plenty of support for James Bolton's Outdoor Classroom

James Bolton students helped put the finishing touches on areas of the outdoor classroom and park recently.

Staff, students and supporters gathered to officially cut the ribbon recently, opening the Outdoor Classroom at James Bolton Public School.

The project was a culmination of more than a year of hard work.

Meredith Taylor joined the school council and Home and School meetings to share her vision for an outdoor learning space for the children. Her clear and passionate goals were embraced by members of both parent groups. With the support of friends and community members, Meredith set to work writing grant proposals, talking to local businesses, and meeting with school community members to plan for this vision. Bruce Rowntree, of Ground Creations, added his expertise as a landscape architect, designing and drawing the impressive plans.

According to principal Joy Uniac, in true James Bolton form, the idea grew and grew, resulting in "a completely amazing outdoor classroom in which our students and teachers can learn.

"Our community came together to donate generous amounts of money and products, volunteer countless hours, and share in the success of this project.

"Thank you to all of the businesses and individuals that supported our new outdoor classroom here at James Bolton."

Sponsors included TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation, The Town of Caledon Community Green Fund, Evergreen, Paul Coffey's Bolton Toyota, Ecole James Bolton Public School Home and School Association, Permacon Group, James Dick Aggregates, Kengrove Inc./Cornerstone Landscaping Ltd., Executive Tree Services, Region of Peel, GoodWood Landscape and Construction, Ground Creations Landscape and Construction.

Project supporters included trustee Valerie Arnold-Judge, Baffo's Pizza, The Black Bull Pub and Eatery, Cheeks, Kelly Darnley (Chamber of Commerce), Effem Inc., Home Hardware, Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd., Kelsey's Restaurant, Cosimo Sgambelluri, Shoeless Joe's, Subway, The Toby Jug, The Wal-Mart Canada Corp., Zehrs Markets.

Volunteers who worked on the project included Bruce, Michelle Dawson and Raylanna Rowntree, Len Vandermey, Rob, Tina, William and Alexander Woodley, Marion, Michael, Mary and Michael Upshall, Meredith Taylor, Jason, Evan and Jillian McDermott, Gerry Taylor, Andy, Karen, Ryan and Lauren Dafoe, Ian Coulhoun, Scott Fraser, Craig Reynolds, Robert Hynd, Derek Mumford, Jennifer Cerini, Marjory and Asta Coffey, Tom, Debra, William and Sam Jolly, Evan and Emma Reid, Kevin and Megan Speight, Pam Wood, John, Zara and Grace Turner, Stephanie, Alexander and Jeremy Rostirolla, Sue Bogner, Steve Elliott (Humberview student), Shawn Morin (Humberview student), Mrs. Uniac, Mrs. Miller-Wood, Mr. & Mrs. Ford.