Creating a Culture of Wellness Through Dynamic Spaces
Traditional indoor and outdoor athletic spaces, less structured play spaces, and active classrooms can unlock the potential for districts to create a strong culture of wellness.
Dr. Eric Knolles, School Superintendent of the Waverly Central School District; Kari Burke, Director of Health Services and Wellness for the Ithaca City School District and Christopher Glaubitz, AIA, Vice President for Tetra Tech Architects & Engineers presented the topic during a session at the NYSCOSS Fall Leadership Conference 2024 in Saratoga NY. They described that a culture of movement and physical activity within a district can create opportunities for learning and wellness resulting in the positively impact for a district’s community and economy.
The proactive integration of formal and casual physical activity opportunities can positively impact your entire community, the school culture, and local economy. The interactive session was delivered to engage attendees and inspire a conversation that provides attendees with practical ways to integrate physical activity throughout their Districts in actionable ways.
The presentation was structured around three aspects; culture, community and economic impact. Chris shared several examples that have been delivered to clients that employ design strategies that are intended to increase occupant movement within a space.
He shared an example of an instructional space that is outside at Lansing Central School District.The freestanding covered structure provides instructional and recreational space. A garden was created adjacent to the classroom as an extension for learning opportunities.
A random survey was gathered from conference attendees and presented during the session.
Tetra Tech is currently working with the Waverly School District for a Wellness Center addition. The addition provides for NCAA regulation volleyball space so the height allowed the project to incorporate an elevated track around the perimeter of the space. The space also includes a basketball court and moveable bleachers provide viewing options for spectators. Physical and Occupational Therapy have dedicated space in this new addition and can take advantage of all the spaces and facilities including the new locker rooms and a weight training area. Dr. Knolles commented that in his District, “A project like this can be an economic driver. The public can see the work and will have access to the sports facility. The gymnasium is the front door space for a District and is used every period of every day for instruction and recreation.” This project was approved by the Waverly community with a budget of $40M. “
Kari Burke described that the benefits of incorporation of movement into a district’s culture have benefits that go beyond the classroom. “The former York Lecture Hall is now a dynamic flexible space that is utilized frequently. The space is now used by the BOE for their meetings because it is light, bright and has technology seamlessly incorporated.” This project is a result a part of a 2019 Capital Project that the community supported in 2019. “During the school day the space is used for instruction, study hall, student led committee meetings and a second level of the space that serves as an overflow space.” The capital project also provided a playground at the Middle School. “The space is now used all the time. Kids spend time engaging with one another and out in nature just because this space provides a welcome safe place to hang out during their day.”
