Taking the Classroom Outdoors: Geyser Road Elementary Unveils New Outdoor Learning Center

The Saratoga Springs School Central School District has unveiled a new Outdoor Learning Center at Geyser Road Elementary School. 

The new structure was built as part of the city’s participatory budget project where the city solicits ideas for projects that need funding and helps see them through. The new Outdoor Learning Center consists of an outdoor pavilion on a concrete pad surrounded by the existing orchard. 

An official ribbon cutting was held on Friday, Oct. 10. The existing area includes apple and pear trees, benches and a friendship rock garden. The area started its life in 2014 when Albert Pickens, a music teacher at the school, came up with the idea of having a space where students could learn about the natural world and where their food comes from. 

During his remarks at the ribbon cutting, Pickens talked about how the idea grew from a few fruit trees to a fully fenced orchard with benches for learning. The orchard wasn’t without its challenges, however, as the pandemic brought about many challenges which threatened the orchard’s future. 

“Five years ago, the pandemic hit and the orchard that was helping us, our partner orchard, closed down, and the future of the Geyser Road orchard seemed uncertain,” Pickens said. “That’s when I learned something powerful: A good idea, when rooted in a caring community, will grow beyond the seedlings of any one person’s imagination.” 

Pickens also highlighted the continued work of staff members to preserve and expand the outdoor space. He specifically highlighted the work of Alex Fralish, the head custodian of Geyser Road Elementary School who keeps the fruit trees pruned and watered. 

He also highlighted the work of Brooke Cannie, a speech and hearing teacher at the school, whose idea for a dedicated outdoor learning space inspired the new learning space. 

Cannie said in her remarks that the idea for the learning center came while teaching a student outside near the playground. She said that the thought came to her that it would be amazing to have a quiet space in nature for outdoor learning without distraction. Cannie said the work of Pickens with the orchard inspired her to pursue the funding needed for the project.

She also highlighted the community’s effort to develop the outdoor space. 

“This outdoor classroom is more than just a structure,” Cannie said.  “It’s a symbol of community, of shared vision and what we can accomplish when we all come together for our students.”

Funding for the project came from the city’s participatory budget process. Under the process, proposals for improvements were sought by the city from citizens. After review, those proposals were voted on with the winners receiving the funds to complete the project. 

The Geyser Road Elementary School Project was one of six projects to receive funding under the 2024 vote. Jeff Altamari said he was impressed by the work that went into the project and the care of those involved. 

“I was just awed by the enthusiasm and passion that they had for converting this empty space out here into something beautiful for all of you to really use, for the community to use,” Altamari said. 

Altamari said that the project showed that if you have an idea and are smart about it, you can accomplish anything.