NJLCA members at work on the sensory garden and outdoor classroom at The Forum School in Waldwick, New Jersey.Photo: NJLCA
The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) has just completed their 2015 “Day of Service” project at The Forum School, a private, non-profit, non-sectarian day school in Waldwick, New Jersey, for students with autism and other neurological conditions.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the school is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 2.
Each year, members of the NJLCA volunteer their time and donate equipment and materials for their Day of Service project to help children in local communities. The inspiration for this year’s project came from Danielle Goldstein, an occupational therapy assistant major at Eastwick College and daughter of Rich Goldstein, treasurer of the NJLCA.
The school requested a sensory garden to help teachers educate students about the different senses, using plant material with different colors, textures and scents and garden structures, including a pond-less water fountain and colorful “talk-tube” for sound.
The NJLCA took it one step further and built an entire outdoor classroom, including built-in seating and raised planters.
“Our members really enjoy working together and giving back to local communities,” said NJLCA Executive Director Jody Shilan, who designed the project. “These projects truly are a labor of love and I am always so impressed with the generosity of our association members.”
Brian Detlefsen, principal of The Forum School, adds: “When we first saw the plans, we expected a nice, colorful perennial garden for our students and teachers. However, now that the project is complete, we are amazed at how beautiful the outdoor classroom is. We can’t wait to start using it.”
