LA CROSSE, Wis., (September 26, 2023) – Summit Environmental School eagerly opened its highly anticipated Natural Playscape at the school’s 2nd annual Summit Strut 5K run/walk event.
Mr. Dirk Hunter, former principal of Summit Environmental School, officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the school’s new Natural Playscape. This innovative play environment has been a three-year endeavor designed to provide Summit students with an enriching play experience, fostering creativity and a deeper connection with nature.
“The Natural Playscape is a dream come true for our school,” said Principal Oscar Uribe. “Natural playgrounds enable children to move freely and creatively around the environment, allowing them to explore, run, jump, climb, crawl, and more as they experience the natural world around them, helping connect kids with nature, develop gross motor function, fine motor skills, imagination, and social skills, all at the same time.”
The Natural Playscape, funded entirely by Summit Environmental School families at a cost of $60,000, incorporates a range of natural elements such as trees, stumps, logs, boulders, water, plants, sand, ropes, and bridges. This sustainable outdoor classroom and playscape provide countless opportunities for exploration, learning, and imaginative play, encouraging physical activity throughout the year.
Following the ribbon cutting of the Natural Playscape, the Summit Strut kicked off. This vibrant annual 5K event, took place on French Island, and aimed to promote healthy living and habits among students. Participants, adorned in bright blue shirts, traversed the scenic neighborhoods of the Town of Campbell. The event received enthusiastic support from the local community, including the Fire Department, which ensured a safe route for the students. This initiative aligned with the Safe Routes to School program by the La Crosse County Health Department.
The Summit Strut event included a fundraising component, supporting various environmental activities at Summit Environmental School. Funds collected by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) contribute to projects such as purchasing canoes and life jackets for annual canoe trips and aiming to establish an electric vehicle (EV) charging station and a greenhouse for the school’s future.
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