Potential upgrades to Apponequet courtyard developed, presented by students

LAKEVILLE — The outdoor courtyard at Apponequet Regional High School may receive a bright new look, thanks to efforts led by the high school’s Student Council.

New features could include a retaining wall structure with steps, a memorial fountain, a greenhouse and a stage for theater presentations, Student Council Officers Ryan O’Connor and Cameron Poirier explained to Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee members at their Nov. 13 meeting.

The current courtyard is “not as attractive and welcoming as it could be,’’ O’Connor said.

An upgraded courtyard could give students a chance to take a “breath of fresh air’’ between classes, serve as a place to host events and provide a “quicker and more enjoyable route’’ between classes, according to material the students presented.

Community involvement would be a vital component to the effort, the students said.

This would ideally become a  “whole school project,’’ O’Connor said. “We’re getting everybody involved.’’

Organizers of the project will also be reaching out to community members, including businesses and residents, for possible support. The council has a starting budget of $15,000 for the effort.

A variety of clubs could focus on portions of the project that reflect their expertise, the students said. These could include fund-raising through the Distributive Education Clubs of America; planting and landscaping through the Green Team and engineering support from the Engineering/Tech Club.

Tasks slated for the first year of the project include adding a retaining wall cut into the current hill configuration; adding a memorial fountain with names engraved; and landscaping to remove overgrown trees and bushes and add mulch and flower beds.

The second year’s work would involve adding outdoor games, such as possibly life-sized chess pieces; including picnic tables and additional seating and a wooden platform for classes and a possible amphitheater.

No official timeline was presented for the work to be completed.

School Committee members responded positively to the presentation and the concept. Superintendent of Schools Alan Strauss described student efforts such as this as “why we do this work. I commend the two of you, it’s absolutely outstanding.’’