March 2011
Special Education students cultivate skills at new Ridder Park garden
Special Education student Tai Nguyen and teacher assistant Jonathan Guy crouched over two redwood planks fixed together to form a 90-degree angle.
"Does that look square to you?" asked Jonathan, as he measured the corner of what will form one of a dozen raised beds planned for a new garden at Ridder Park.
Repurposing the horseshoe pit languishing near the parking garage, the patch will help Tai and his fellow students enrolled in the Special Education Post-Senior program develop their green thumbs – but also learn valuable skills applicable outside the garden.
About 20 students will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the garden's vegetables and flowers, said Special Education teacher Randy Klein, who helped spearhead the project. Eventually, the fruits of their labor could serve various purposes, including possible sale to COE employees, Randy suggested.
Lunch Stop could also use any vegetables and herbs in its fare, said COE Purchasing Services Manager Andy Bursch, who helped usher the project.
A garden is the latest incarnation of a space that has seen several uses through the years. It started as a volleyball area before becoming a small playground area for children, said Joe Beretta, the COE's manager of Facilities and Construction.
Seldom used and incompliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the equipment was later removed. About two years ago, the space became a horseshoe pit at the request of some staff, but hasn't seen much use lately, Joe said.
"When Randy approached me with the possibility of using half of the area for a garden for the Post-Senior students, I thought that was a great idea," he said.
Andy pitched the project to fellow members of the Cafeteria Committee, which agreed to fund the purchase of the redwood that will make up the 12 beds, each 8 feet by 8 feet in dimension. Soil and other materials have been donated by local businesses, Randy said.
The pit's sand base will aid in drainage, Randy said. Ultimately, he hopes to install an irrigation system that will ease the watering process.
The educational possibilities are broad, he said. For example, students use math to design and build the beds. Buying the plants and materials, and later possibly selling any produce touches on a commerce component. Also, the garden will instill a sense of responsibility in the students, who will tend and maintain the space.
"This could be so much more than a garden," Randy said. "You could build a whole class around it."
Andy said an organic garden is aligned with the COE's health and wellness initiative, and planting exotic vegetables could also increase awareness of other cultures.
And of course, the students will experience the magic and satisfaction that comes from turning nothing into something, Randy said.
"I remember that when I was young," he said. "It's a great feeling."
Date last updated: March 21, 2011
