Hermantown Community Schools Thursday hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly completed Hermantown Community Learning Center playground.
The Hermantown Community Learning Center, built in 2019, provides a school readiness program for children ages 3-5. Outdoor education plays a significant role in the children’s education.
In 2021, JPJ Engineering worked with the Proctor Hermantown Community Education staff to design an innovative playground to augment the outdoor education program. The recently completed playground called the “Hawks Nest” includes both play and learning features from both the natural and built environment.
A major feature of the playground is the stage and shelter which was a collaborative effort between the school district and the local Skyline Rotary Club, in which the school district paid for the materials and the Skyline Club constructed the building. The children will use the building for dance performances, play acting, and to shelter from inclement weather while still being outdoors.
Tim Peterson, who is both a long-time Skyline Rotary member and a member of the Hermantown School Board said, “This project shows the best in our community spirit. It is a collaboration between the District and a local service organization that will benefit our children for decades. This is the best of Hawk Pride."
Along with being a significant asset to the school readiness program, the Hawks Nest is also open for public use.