The following article is from Brookfield Now May 13, 2010
Neighbors support outdoor classroom, despite concerns
Panel member says city will keep watch for trespassers
By ALAN HAMARI
Posted: May 11, 2010
Science projects, guest speakers and art classes soon could be headed outside at Brookfield Elementary School if the Common Council next week approves a plan for the school to build a 120-seat outdoor classroom.
Brookfield Elementary's PTO has funded a campaign for the classroom, which will be used by students during the school day and could be used by other groups - like Boy Scout or Girl Scout groups - after school.
The classroom, which would feature stadium-style seating around a main lecture area, would be built just south of the school. The cost of the project is estimated at $20,000.
Pending Common Council approval, construction could start after school lets out in June.
Samantha Brojanac, the parent of a Brookfield Elementary second-grader, said during a public hearing Monday she wholeheartedly supports the idea of an outdoor classroom.
"Anything that can help our kids (learn) is a plus, I think," she said.
But some neighbors, including Melissa Hibl, said the new addition, while worthwhile, could turn into "an attractive nuisance."
Hibl said she already has kids cutting through her yard on Brookfield Road and doesn't want to see any additional foot traffic or vandalism, so she suggested a fence be built around the classroom.
While members of Brookfield's Plan Commission on Monday didn't support the inclusion of a fence at this point, Alderman Mark Nelson said the city will be watching to "make sure we're not getting lots of calls from police or neighbors."
Other neighbors had questions and concerns about lighting or noise from the new classroom, but PTO President Cathy Wolfla said there are no plans for lighting or microphones and speakers at the site.
NEXT STEP
WHAT: Common Council vote on Brookfield Elementary School's proposed outdoor classroom
WHEN: 7:45 p.m. May 18
WHERE: City Hall, 2000 N. Calhoun Road
