St Paul, MN

Maxfield Elementary School is located in the historic Rondo neighborhood of St Paul, MN.  This school has been part of the community for 130 years, way before the interstate cut Rondo in half and displaced over 60% of the residents of Rondo. Still, Rondo holds community members and mutual aid and support of neighbors to the highest degree. Maxfield elementary is a staple to this community, with current business owners reminiscing on their time as children going to school here. 

However, the playground and yard are needing an upgrade to suit current and future students in alternate play options in a changing climate in this harsh urban area. 

Maxfield is adjacent to I-94, making it very loud when you are outside the building. The school wanted to find ways to implement the community vision of a schoolyard centered on equity, environmental justice, and resiliency. While doing this, they wanted to also cultivate alternate career paths and exploration for their students. 

This project was looking at making a planting plan that would find solutions to the school and communities concerns, while also keeping the existing play structure in tact. With an understanding that the school doesn't have a ton of resources for upkeep of tricky plantings, but the community could help with some maintenance since there are already gardening groups in the area. 

This concept focuses on micro forests, native plantings, sensory concerns, and bioretention.