The Ortega Elementary School project successfully improved the school’s recreational amenities by introducing a new synthetic turf field that spans approximately 156,000 square feet, supported by a budget of $4 million. This endeavor not only fulfilled the demand for enhanced play areas but also tackled significant drainage issues arising from the site’s existing conditions. The project site is situated next to a steep, rocky hillside characterized by fractured bedrock, necessitating a thorough examination of both the topographical and hydrological challenges presented by these conditions. Leveraging Verde Design’s expertise and a multi-disciplinary approach, our project team devised integrated design solutions to effectively manage the drainage requirements of the new synthetic turf field and surrounding areas, thereby mitigating runoff and preventing erosion while ensuring the field’s playability, safety, and durability were of the highest standard.
In addition to the renovation of the playing field, the project encompassed the refurbishment and expansion of the school’s playground, incorporating new rubberized resilient surfacing to improve safety and accessibility. Furthermore, the scope included the establishment of a new outdoor learning area, designed with low-maintenance materials such as synthetic turf, pavement, seatwalls, and benches to foster a sustainable environment that minimizes water usage. The design of the outdoor classroom area featured the integration of an accessible ramp, facilitating movement across significant elevation changes within the courtyard while maintaining an open atmosphere. Group seating areas were also created to enrich the educational experience for students. This project ultimately provided safe, engaging, and sustainable environments for the students at Ortega Elementary School, promoting both physical activity and educational opportunities within the community.
