Playscape and Grounds Beautification for ERA

About the Project

Eagle Ridge Academy (ERA) is fortunate to have outdoor space surrounding the building. The goal of this project is to make that space available and beneficial for all K-12 students, staff, and community to enjoy.  In doing so, we will utilize the natural beauty of the outdoors, not only to enrich education but to inspire students to engage with the outdoors, become more active, and relax in the space.  Research supports the fact that people need breaks throughout the day to reinvigorate their mind and body.  Having outdoor venues that can help clear one’s mind, activate the body, and reduce stress levels will benefit every member of our community.

History of Grounds Work and Current Play Structure/Space

In May 2013, ERA's Affiliated Building Company purchased our old school location in Eden Prairie using the sale of bonds to purchase and renovate the facility. That funding provided the resources to develop a playground and procure playground equipment for the school's 414 students in grades K-5.  Enrollment at that time was only at 800.  That summer, parents, faculty, students, and staff came together to have a Playground Community Build event and the new playground was ready for use for the 2013-2014 school year.  

In May 2014, ERA's Board of Directors voted upon an Enrollment Resolution, laying out strategic plans to grow enrollment to up to 1,600 students by 2024. We acquired and moved into the current building in 2016, today enrolling 1,455 students.  Our outdoor space is not being utilized to its fullest extent in serving our enrollment.  The current playground equipment was meant for 400 students, yet the K-5 population is now 828 students.  

We need playground equipment and updated space to accommodate this significant growth.  The 627 students in grades 6-12 will also benefit from additional outdoor spaces for learning, physical activity, and enrichment. The former Playground Committee transitioned into the ERA Playscape and Grounds Commission, incorporating volunteer parents, staff, and students interested in improving the utilization of ERA's greenspace, nature, and playground space.

This project supports the visionary direction of the School Board; specifically, having a useful physical environment and creating community partnerships would be part of this strategic plan.  It will create a variety of outdoor spaces that will support the mission and vision of our school, including opportunities in which the members of our school community can come together to build and maintain these spaces.   By providing a welcoming outdoor space, our community will benefit by being able to utilize our property and, in turn, learn about ERA's positive impact in their community.

Why do we need your support and how much money do we need?
The ABC has provided the Commission with base funding, but this won't be sufficient to address all the needs. In addition, the Commission has required that the monies awarded are spent within two years. With the ability to match funds, we will be able to move forward with a majority of projects this year and early next year, thus allowing use of these enhancements in the 2021-2022 school year. The school needs an additional $100K in order to complete the entire three-phase project.

What will funding support?
- New Fencing
- Playground equipment and fixtures
- Natural playspace in woodsy areas
- Aluminum benches
- Lower school blacktop area with game ideas
- Basketball court/multi-use blacktop
- Resurface of courtyard with sod
- Space with fine arts expression and classroom use
- Amphitheatre

To beautify, we will gather community members to clean and restore natural area and plant Minnesota native plants that will incorporate learning with their loveliness.

Why should I donate?
As a school of choice, ERA parents have selected ERA for its academics, but we believe that not only is their student's educational growth important, but having safe places to play and gather will enrich their education. When given the choice, we believe most kids would rather play outside. Increasing outdoor play for kids of all ages isn't a question of desire but, rather, a question of priorities, resources, and support.

The dreams and desires of our youth are compelling.  Helping them become the people they hope to be is a vision that inspires us all.  Our students enrich each other’s lives by sharing their perspectives.  We need areas outside of the classroom, but within the school campus to have students interact with one another on their own accord.   Every future ERA graduate works hard to achieve a diploma and providing outdoor spaces that will allow them to exercise and relax, ultimately facilitates a needed balance. For all of these reasons, you can be assured that we will continue to provide outstanding education while giving all students outdoor arenas to grow and explore as individuals, collaborators, and citizens of the United States of America.

FERA is a certified 501(c)(3) (#47-5542621).