The Wheeler School, East Campus Landscape Enhancements

Providence, Rhode Island

Firm

Pressley Associates, Landscape Architects

Client

The Wheeler School

Area

63,250 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$1,000,000

Completion Date

08/2007

The design creates inviting gathering spaces and new recreational, play and outdoor meeting spaces to strengthen the campus environment of this 120-year-old private school.

Wheeler School’s East Campus consisted of underutilized open space and tennis courts. The landscape architect redesigned this space to include a basketball court, synthetic lawn area, amphitheater-like seating, space for outdoor teaching, a new outdoor reception space for small events, lush landscaping along new pathways and foundation plantings at two school-owned residences, as well as an expanded faculty parking area.

By installing a synthetic lawn play area, the recreation season is extended beyond that enabled by traditional grass. Nice weather in early spring and late autumn enables students to play outdoors.

Materials such as brick and bluestone walls, classic black metal fencing, and large caliper trees are used throughout the site to strengthen the character of the school and unify the East Campus with the main Center Campus. Nestled into a beautiful residential area, the park-like setting blends seamlessly into its surroundings.