Climate-proof and natural play and learning area for Esmoreit primary school
Esmoreit primary school in Luttenberg has developed a schoolyard featuring climate-adaptive measures: the downspouts will be disconnected from the sewer system and the playground will be greened. The primary school received a grant from the district water board to realise this project.
On its own initiative, Esmoreit primary school decided to transform the old schoolyard into a fun, educational, sustainable, and climate-proof area.
The children have been actively involved in the project, which has been carried out by various parties. It has generated a diverse play and learning area featuring natural materials and lots of greenery.
Image: Children are involved in the construction of a climate-proof schoolyard
The schoolyard’s focal point is a “discovery hill” with a water system. Children can use a groundwater pump to pump up water; through a drainage canal with boulders, a weir and a small sluice, the water flows back into the soil. This system explains the importance of the water cycle and lets the children experience the difficulty of controlling water.
To climate-proof the schoolyard, it has been greened and the downspouts have been disconnected. Infiltration crates have been placed underneath to allow the water to infiltrate in the soil. These measures are incorporated into the curriculum on water and water management.
Now that the water system and the discovery hill have been constructed, plants will further complete the schoolyard. The progress in the development of the schoolyard is recorded in vlogs. An interim result is presented here:
The festive opening of the schoolyard is scheduled for 1 July 2018. The photo album on the development of the schoolyard may be viewed via the website of the district water board.
Contact person
Gerrit Pieter Roetert Steenbruggen
Waterschap Drents Overijsselse Delta
088 - 233 17 20
gerritpieterroetertsteenbruggen@wdodelta.nl