Construction is officially underway for the Rockdale Urban Learning Garden, a special project between Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, with contributions from P&G, and the Reds Community Fund. Upon completion, the project is anticipated to be the best outdoor classroom in the U.S. and each dollar put into the project is projected to touch every child of Avondale with its educational and nutritional resources.
The one-acre plot of land at the corner of Northern Avenue and Wilson Avenue in Avondale will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind outdoor learning center. It is the first urban elementary school partnership with a Zoo & Botanical Garden to sustainably co-manage a biodiverse, living landscape alongside science and horticulture curriculum.
The learning garden will be made of six distinct areas, including an amphitheater for classroom instruction, themed gardens, and a greenhouse. Each section of the learning garden will educate students on renewable energy, nutritional food skills, and provide hands-on working experience. For example, a pollination circle incudes pollinator gardens that will serve as a central gathering circle and start point for classes, clubs and tours. It will also offer a panoramic view of the landscape.
“This is going to be a signature project for our Zoo and because of that, our commitment to this project is indefinite,” Mark Fisher, VP of Facilities and Sustainability at the Zoo said. “Success would be that there is a dozen of these all around the city at other CPS schools. We’ll get there, that I have no doubt about.”
The Zoo has full support of the living laboratory from key decision-makers in the community as well as support from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Additionally, the Zoo’s Horticultural Department is indefinitely committed to the maintenance and success of the program. The department will help maintain the garden by mulching, weeding, watering, growing, and more.
“The Urban Learning Garden at Rockdale is an excellent example of how partnerships can create an innovative community for local residents by local residents,” said Beth Robinson, President & CEO of UCI. “This garden will be a long-term asset to the community both young and old.”
The Zoo plans to host garden markets, selling plants and other garden grown items, to help support it. The garden will also be a source of fresh food for Avondale residents.
Learn more about the Rockdale Urban Learning Garden here.