Hello Rosemont and Maury,
I am writing to provide you with an update on the planning
and implementation of a safe, healthy, sustainable and economically viable
redevelopment of the Maury Elementary Schoolyard. The MSI team includes
dozens of Maury parents and Rosemont neighbors, and a team of committed
engineering, design and legal professionals. We have worked hard this
summer and happily report lots of progress with planning, design and
cementing our partnership with ACPS and the City of Alexandria. Thank you
for the enormous support we have received so far.
The Short Term: The Maury Schoolyard is currently undergoing emergency
improvements to make the play area safe for the kids. ACPS, with planning
and design support from Maury Schoolyard Initiative, is currently
installing sod and making some improvements to the onsite drainage.
Additionally, two trees were removed due to their poor health and danger
from dropping limbs. The work will be complete Friday, but the grass
field will remain closed until October 1, so the grass can take root.
The Long Term: Planning continues for more storm water management on and
off site. We have a commitment from the City of Alexandria T&ES department
for offsite storm water management, behind the school and along Russell
Road. The consultants at LandDesign and Bowman Consulting are preparing a
grading plan for submission in September. This is our first step toward
permits. It will be a comprehensive plan detailing the elements included,
and fingers crossed we will have approval by February.
The Plan: In September we will continue to refine our plans for the site,
and will have opportunities for community input. The Gensler plan was a
vision, and it has been modified to reduce costs and permitting
complications. The new plan will include a large garden and outdoor
learning area, an all weather field, traditional and natural play areas, a
walking path and shade area.
The Funding: The budget is still being built, but we know the cost will be
shared by ACPS and private donations. MSI is pursuing grants, individual
gifts, inkind donations from contractors and more. Our fundraising team
has worked hard this summer making preliminary contacts so once we have the
plans and budget, we will be able to reach out and raise the funds. We are
working closely with the Maury PTA executive board, Maury Principal Ms.
Jackson, members of the School Board and City Council for a united effort
to accomplish this project.
*NEXT UP: Join us in the library at Maury on Tuesday, September 23, at 7 p.m.,
for an open discussion and update.*
Thank you for you time, we look forward to a exciting and successful year
together.
*Sue Setliff*
*Maury Schoolyard Initiative *
*saveourschoolyard.com <http://saveourschoolyard.com>
*[image: https://www.facebook.com/
<https://www.facebook.com/
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