Why a Garden for Pinnacle? Great question. Maybe
the question should be, why not a garden for Pinnacle?
Gardens are soothing places filled with plants that are islands of serenity. Gardens can also create wonderful learning opportunities for all ages. One visit to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Globe will get you hooked on the sculptural beauty of desert plants from around the world and agree that it is a wonderful place to fill an afternoon.
But of course, not every campus has a place for a garden. But Pinnacle is special in that there is already a space behind the library that is quiet and surrounded by a wall, just waiting to be developed into a space that can be utilized by students. What’s more, this space is large enough to make a small, built-in amphitheater that could be used as a classroom, or a place to hold intimate musical performances. Of course, the beauty of the plants would also inspire amazing photographs and drawings from the Visual Arts Department. In the end, such a space would be multi-disciplinary and a quiet haven for both staff and students.
The idea sprang forth from a former staff member, Tom Luks, who was a beloved social studies teacher. He dreamt of a space for an outdoor classroom to utilize Arizona’s great weather and to create a unique learning environment for kids. Tom has since moved on to another position at PVUSD, but his dream remains with Pinnacle.
The Environmental Society was asked to get input from its members on what they wanted that space to look like and feel like. The students requested a water feature to create soothing sounds, shade trees, and wheel chair accessibility. They also requested an area where the culinary department could grow herbs. All ideas have been incorporated into a master plan by a talented local landscape architect, Tim McGough of the McGough Group, who generously donated his time to the project.
Pinnacle is ready to make Tim’s professional plan a reality. The design incorporates succulents and desert trees to form a xeriscaped, low maintenance garden that can be used from November-March for outside classroom space. The plants selected by Tim, of course, are thorn-free in raised beds, with built-in seating areas. The Sierra Club has also gotten the ball rolling by donating $1000 to get the project started. The entire project is estimated to be $35,000.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Garden Project or how you can make a donation, please visit the website: https://sites.google.com/a/pvlearners.net/pinnacle-garden-project/.
Juli Thomas
Environmental Science and Chemistry
Pinnacle High School
