Outdoor learning center makes its debut at Lukancic Middle School in Romeoville

ROMEOVILLE – Valley View’s Facility Operations Department and Sebert Landscaping unveiled a new outdoor learning center in the courtyard at Lukancic Middle School in Romeoville Tuesday.

The completed portion of the learning center includes two seating areas designed to encourage teachers to engage their students and take their lesson plans outdoors, as well as new landscaping in the west area of the courtyard which will also eventually house an edible garden, if approved by the VVSD Nutrition Services Department.

Still on the drawing board are a nature path on the south end for students to “interact with flora and fauna” and a grassy “relaxation area” on the east side.

The completed portion of the learning center includes two seating areas and new landscaping in the west area of the courtyard which will also eventually house an edible garden, if approved by the VVSD Nutrition Services Department. Still on the drawing board are a nature path on the south end for students to “interact with flora and fauna” and a grassy “relaxation area” on the east side.

Sebert Landscaping is the company VVSD commissioned to do the work. Sebert donated some of its staff design and staff cleanup time for the project. The Bartlett-based company (with an office in Bolingbrook) is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves by creating outdoor learning centers in schools and hospitals.

Creating an outdoor learning center in the Lukancic courtyard has been the dream of Trisha Rollerson since she became Principal in 2010.

The outdoor classroom is available for use immediately.