Barren, desolate, and a missed opportunity. 

These three thoughts pervade students’ minds as they pass by the windows looking out at the small courtyard located near the Deans’ office. The outdoor space contains a picnic table, a few chairs placed arbitrarily about, and minimal landscaping, consisting of only a few flowers and sparse grass. The space is open to everyone, yet it is always devoid of student life.

“When I look out the windows in the art classrooms, it’s obvious the courtyard has so much potential, but there’s always so much junk in it that ruins its ambiance,” senior Declan Boyle said. 

As we enter the warmer months of the year, I have begun to imagine how this scene could look different. There are many small adjustments that LFHS students and faculty could make to improve the atmosphere of the space.

The Addition of a Community Garden 

Adding a community garden would have numerous benefits. Besides simply making the courtyard more appealing superficially, students could get hands-on experience with gardening. This could open up further opportunities, like introducing a gardening course to the electives LFHS offers or supporting the efforts of the Environmental Club and Animal Conservation Club. Gardens also cultivate a more welcoming environment for animals, creating a safe-haven for many species. The Mayo Clinic has conducted research into the correlation between gardening and mental health, and they found that gardens can reduce stress and anxiety. Senior Lillian Eleveld has noticed this first-hand.

“When walking through the school, I sometimes look out to see the courtyard and it immediately dampens my mood. I think that redoing the school courtyard could brighten people’s moods,” Eleveld said.

Designating An Area for Seating

Having an area in the courtyard designated for students to sit during lunch, to study, or to simply take a break would be ideal for many.

“I’ve been in the courtyard a few times throughout high school, but I keep thinking about how nice it would be to spend a lunch period or a study hall out there,” Boyle said. “I would love to see it renovated so that younger students are able to enjoy all that our school has to offer,” Boyle said.

With just a couple picnic tables or chairs, the entire courtyard could be transformed into an area where students and staff could take a break from the strenuous school day and connect with nature.

Installing Solar Panels

One area of the courtyard has a flat, white surface: the perfect place to install solar panels. This area could be transformed from an unattractive eye-sore into a productive, environmentally-friendly way to generate energy. Although expensive, with funding or grant money this could be possible.

Creating a Potential Memorial

As the courtyard is surrounded on every side by windows— visible from multiple rooms in the school— this would be the perfect opportunity to create and install a memorial honoring veterans that have attended LFHS, or staff that have passed away. A potential memorial could reinstill LFHS’ values and remind students of past achievements or service that alumni have completed.

Revamping the courtyard could have numerous benefits, ranging from providing students with a comfortable, unique space to study in, to enhancing the environment, to utilizing LFHS’ campus to the fullest extent.

“I feel like if we utilize the space, it could make our school a much more positive environment because students could make the most of the school day and their moods would improve,” junior Maggie Jarvinen said.

With just a little effort, some funding, and a few hands on deck, LFHS’ courtyard could be transformed into a blossoming space.