By Stephanie Shumacher
Mary Lin Elementary is undertaking an exciting new project. With the work of the Mary Lin Education Foundation, the school has been raising money to revamp an outdoor space called “The Habitat.” Fundraising and work on this project is taking place in phases.
![](https://candlerpark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Habitat-Plans-1-2-1024x791.jpg)
Over the past 2 years, the school has completed the first phase of this project which included clearing the space and addressing safety issues, regrading the hill and laying sod. Currently, the Habitat is a fully functional space where kids can play and explore.
![](https://candlerpark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Habitat-Plans-2-1-1024x791.jpg)
During the 2024-2025 school year, the focus will be on the project’s 2nd phase, which includes building an outdoor classroom and relocating the garden beds.
Phase 3 of the project will include building out the main space with a walking path, new garden locations, and play spaces. The build-out phase will be designed by students with the help of experts in the field.
Stephanie Shumacher is the STEM program coordinator at Mary Lin.