Contested Space in the Nebinger Public Elementary (K-8) School EPA Stormwater Rain Garden and Outdoor Classroom

Bambi Yost (Iowa State University)
Lois Brink (University of Colorado Denver)
Meghan Talarowski (StudioLudo)

Over the years there has been an increase in the number of stormwater and rain gardens on schoolyards across the United States, particularly in cities which have mandated stormwater improvements due to poor or antiquated infrastructure, the Clean Water Act and EPA lawsuits, and old-school combined sewer-overflow systems resulting in greatly degraded waterways. In Philadelphia, PA, schoolyard EPA funded stormwater gardens are still rare but there are a few. Nebinger (k-8) public elementary school is one of the first Philadelphia schools to implement a stormwater garden on their school grounds. In this case study, successes, failures, and struggles to maintain and cultivate an outdoor classroom, or outdoor learning environment (ELO), within an EPA stormwater garden will be shared. The Nebinger stormwater gardens have become a contested space with local teachers, administrators, students, nonprofits, neighbors, and the Philadelphia Water Department all claiming ownership and rights to this special, urban ecosystem. How this site is used and maintained is somewhat problematic. We are working with the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) and with the school's community. Our goal is to help the PWD better understand the needs of teachers, students, and neighbors. This project has been in the works for several years and students are finally reaping the rewards of having a naturalized living system in their own backyard.

In this case study, we will provide evidence of ways that poorly constructed and poorly designed stormwater management areas lead to failure at the expense of the students, teachers, and other concerned citizens. We will also share ways to promote and cultivate a caring and environmentallyaware student body. Please join us for some rich discussions about the politics of place, the downside of regulations and policies, and the power of the people.