School Yard Revitalization
Our Vision Takes Root: Creating a Green Oasis
We are transforming our ordinary schoolyard, currently defined by compacted soil and drainage issues, into a lush, multi-functional outdoor learning environment—a vital green space for our students and the surrounding Little Italy community.
The Project: Why It Matters
This revitalization project is about more than just landscaping; it's an investment in the physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of every student. The new design will create a safe, therapeutic, and engaging outdoor classroom that enhances student well-being, reduces anxiety, and fosters creativity and social skills through a direct connection to nature. By revitalizing this historical plot, we are also providing a significant aesthetic and environmental benefit for our neighbours.
The architectural firm Architecture49 generously provided the pro-bono design, which includes:
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A Peaceful Pergola: A shaded outdoor classroom for fresh-air learning.
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Learning Gardens: Plant beds featuring native species for hands-on environmental education.
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Specialized Play Areas: Structures designed to support the sensory and physical development of students.
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Accessible Pathways: Safe and inclusive walkways for everyone to explore the space.
Planting Day Success!
Our shared vision officially came to life with our community planting event on Tuesday, October 21st. It was a tremendous success, thanks to the dedicated volunteers! Kids and parents volunteered their time to roll up their sleeves, turning the first shovels of soil and planting the initial beds. This event served as the perfect launch for our wider fundraising effort, showing what we can achieve when we work together.
How You Can Help Us Grow
While the design is complete and the planting has begun, we rely on financial contributions to purchase the remaining materials, plants, and construction services needed to fully realize the plan.
Our dedicated parent and staff committee is aiming to raise $25,000 to $35,000 for the final phase of this essential project. Every contribution helps us build this outdoor classroom and green oasis.
Make Your Donation Today
Individuals and organizations can donate to the Heritage Academy Foundation in two secure ways:
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By E-Transfer (Preferred)
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Send your e-transfer to: finance@heritage-academy.com
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By Cheque
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Make the cheque payable to the: Heritage Academy Foundation
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Mail to: 207 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario. K1Y2G5
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Important:
Please ensure you include the following note on your e-transfer memo or cheque note: 2025-2026 Revitalization Project
Volunteer Your Time
If you are a professional landscaper, contractor, or have specialized services you would like to donate, please reach out to the project committee:
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Email: info@heritage-academy.com
Thank you for investing in our students' future and helping us turn this plot of land into a truly transformative green space!
NEXT EVENT
May 26th, 2026 (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
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OUR DONORS
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Architecture49
for graciously donating their time, expertise, and creativity to
help bring new life to our schoolyard revitalization project.
Their generosity and vision will help us create an inclusive,
inspiring, and an engaging outdoor space for our
students and community to enjoy for years to come.
Their thoughtful redesign plan beautifully captures our vision of
transforming the space into a welcoming environment
that promotes outdoor learning, accessibility, exploration,
and community connection.
We are incredibly thankful for their support and commitment
to helping us build a more accessible and welcoming
environment where students can learn, connect, and thrive outdoors.
Architecture49 - https://architecture49.com/en/
We are incredibly grateful to Kal Tire for selecting the Heritage Academy Foundation as a recipient of a $10,000 grant through Kal’s RePlay Fund Community Grant Program.
This initiative supports Canadian communities in creating
innovative projects that use recycled Canadian scrap tires, helping build safer, more sustainable community spaces.
These funds will directly support the continued revitalization of
our schoolyard grounds, helping us create an inclusive outdoor
environment that benefits both our students and the wider community.
Thank you, Kal Tire, for investing in projects that makes a
lasting impact in communities across Canada.
We are honoured to partner with you on this meaningful initiative.
Kal Tire - https://www.kaltire.com/
LEGACY TREE
