In line with L.E.A.F.’s goal to “accelerate learning and engagement” in smaller communities, our project will transform our under-utilized school yard into a dynamic outdoor classroom and natural learning space. Nestled in the rural community of Castleton, within Cramahe Township, Northumberland Hills Public School is more than a place of learning — it’s the heart of our small town. Serving approximately 360 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, our school reflects the spirit of this close-knit community: caring, hardworking, and deeply connected to the land. Yet, while our children are surrounded by nature, their opportunities to learn in it are limited.
We envision transforming our schoolyard into an outdoor classroom and vibrant natural learning space — a place where students can explore science under the sky, write stories beneath a tree, and discover the wonder of local ecosystems firsthand. The project will create shaded seating areas, native plant gardens, pollinator habitats, and hands-on learning stations designed for inquiry, creativity, and connection.
NHPS’ yard is currently a large, open green space with limited structures providing lots of opportunities for improvement. Through a community-engaged process, Trophic Design surveyed students, teachers, and community members about how they use the space and improvements that would enhance their use of this greenspace and hub within the community.
The current space has several challenges that we want to address with this project through:
Increase shaded areas
Creation of outdoor classroom
Mobile options for sports activities
Exploratory, natural elements for active play
Why this project matters to our community:
Learning & Education (Children): Research shows outdoor learning environments improve student engagement, well-being, and academic outcomes. By creating a dedicated outdoor classroom, we expand our instructional capacity beyond the traditional indoor setting.
Community Engagement & Resilience: The school yard will double as a community hub. Families, local volunteers and neighbourhood residents will be welcome to participate in garden-maintenance, nature-based workshops, and after-school use — strengthening local ties and contributing to community capacity.
Underserved Rural Context: As part of a small rural township, our students’ access to enriched outdoor and nature-based learning is limited. This project addresses that gap, aligning with L.E.A.F.’s focus on “hyper-local” initiatives in smaller communities.
support
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I believe that part of the education of our children is that they are in nature. Having a beautiful area to explore is vital, also vitla is a variety of trees
I support this project, which would allow the children of today and the future to be able to learn and play in a safe, interactive space to grow in.
I support this project. New outdoor spaces will enhance our learning at school and having shaded areas will be a welcome reprieve during the warmer days.
Really looking forward to seeing a new playground for the kids, they are definitely in need! And wonderful they have the space to accommodate it.
I support this project. It is so important that children can have shaded areas during the summer days, and have fun activities to do throughout the whole year!
This project will help the children now and in the future have big opportunities alongside small town charm! Reactivate play in small minds with new resources.