School grounds are more than just the space between a parking lot and a classroom door. They can serve as outdoor classrooms, gathering places, and areas where students build a stronger connection to their schools and communities.

That is the focus of Sullivan 180’s School Beautification Program, which provides grants and support to schools across Sullivan County for projects that improve outdoor spaces while involving students in the planning and creation process.

Sullivan 180 Beautification Manager Carmela Hugel and Sullivan West Central School District Director of Facilities Ryan Vogle recently discussed the program and how it is helping transform school environments.

Hugel said the program goes beyond traditional ideas of landscaping and gardening.

“While flowers and gardens are certainly part of beautification, they’re really just the starting point,” Hugel said. “At Sullivan 180, we believe the spaces where we learn, live and gather have real impact on how we feel.”

She said projects such as welcoming entrances, courtyards, and outdoor classrooms can help students feel connected, valued, and proud of their schools. She added that the process of creating those spaces is just as important as the finished project.

“The process of planning, planting and installing a garden gets students outside working together and being physically active,” Hugel said.

That idea led to the creation of Sullivan 180’s Bloom Lab pilot program, which gives students a role in improving their school’s outdoor spaces — from assessing locations to developing ideas and bringing projects to life.

“It’s been really exciting to see students realize that their voices matter,” Hugel said.

Facilities teams key to successful projects

Vogel said involving school facilities staff early in the process is essential because they understand the practical considerations of maintaining school grounds year-round.

He said facilities teams can help identify challenges that may not be obvious during the design phase, including drainage issues, access to water, and long-term maintenance needs.

“We want to make sure that it’s not going to be a burden for us in the summer when the plants need the extra TLC,” Vogle said.

Hugel agreed, saying facilities staff often have insight that can change the direction of a project.

“I’ve worked with schools and have completed designs, and then buildings and grounds have said, ‘Oh no, trees can’t go there because it’s really wet,’ or ‘We have no water source,’” she said.

She said that collaboration helps create projects that are both attractive and sustainable.

Beautification projects also support safety and learning

Vogle said school beautification efforts can improve more than just the appearance of a campus. At Sullivan West, some projects have involved removing overgrown, difficult-to-maintain areas and replacing them with more open spaces.

“We take into consideration safety as well,” Vogle said. “We’ve taken down overgrown, non-maintained areas and put in a beautiful area with sightlines. It’s much better for the safety of the school when we do stuff like that.”

The improvements have also changed how students and staff use outdoor spaces.

Vogle said more staff members are eating outside, and classes have used outdoor areas as learning spaces. Native plants and pollinator gardens have provided opportunities for science classes to study butterflies, bees, and other wildlife.

“Classes going out there because a lot of the plants that they recommend are native pollinators — so there’s butterflies and bees,” Vogle said.

The district has also planted trees near classrooms to provide shade in areas that can become hot.

Building student pride and ownership

Vogle said one of the biggest benefits of the partnership with Sullivan 180 has been the sense of ownership students develop through hands-on involvement.

“We’ve actually had a student get a very sizable scholarship, and he came back this past year after his freshman year in college to help us plant at the high school this year,” Vogle said.

He recalled seeing students share completed projects with their families.

“The last project we did in the elementary school, a dozen fifth graders went out there,” Vogle said. “Later in the day, I could see them taking their parents out there to show what they did that day, and it was awesome.”

Hugel said those moments demonstrate the larger goal of the program.

“Beautification isn’t just about making a campus or the community look nice,” she said. “It’s about creating environments that support student wellness as well as our wellness, learning, and a strong sense of community pride.”

Vogle said the projects help students develop pride in their work and their schools.

“It’s all about the pride that these kids take in doing the work,” he said. “It’s the pride and ownership and having the community enjoy the spaces. It’s a win.”

Sullivan 180 is a financial supporter of Radio Catskill.

Image: Students at Liberty Middle School planting trees as part of the Sullivan 180 School Beautification Program. (Sullivan 180)