Project Funded by:
• Los Angeles County Supervisorial District 1 - Supervisor Gloria Molina
North East Trees designed and constructed an outdoor classroom at Eldridge Rice Elementary School located along the Alhambra Wash at 2150 N. Angelus Avenue in Rosemead California. This 40' diameter shaded outdoor classroom is situated in the school playground in a natural setting under the mulberry trees.
The classroom takes the shape of a nautilus based on the Fibonacci mathematical sequence. Three colors of decomposed granite make up the classroom "floor" and allows for percolation of rain and runoff back into the soil.
A shade sail structure covers the classroom. Semi circular seating for 40 students, and a lectern for the teacher are all constructed using local rocks and recycled concrete. The classroom is surrounded by low water using California native vegetation chosen for the wildlife it attracts. Interpretive signs include information about the native peoples, the history of the area, local flora and fauna, and mathematical sequences found in nature. Metal panels inspired by nature and built by local artist Michael Amescua enhance the appeal of this unique classroom.
North East Trees also planted over 200 sycamore trees and California Live Oak trees around the outdoor classroom and along the perimeter of the school campus.