CHARLEMONT — Hawlemont Regional Elementary School received a $3,500 donation from Big Y to create a shady outdoor space with an arbor and picnic tables.
The new outdoor space will be located outside the pre-school area, Amber Tulloch, coordinator of the Hawlemont, Agriculture and You (HAY) program said Monday. The project includes several picnic tables, trash and recycling bins, and an arbor – a wooden latticed shelter – with hardy kiwi fruits growing over the structure. Hardy kiwi fruits are smaller than regular kiwis – roughly the size of a grape – with smoother skin than can be consumed. The fruit is suited to western Massachusetts’ colder climate.
“It’s a cool way to expose kids to something they’ve not had before,” Tulloch said. “I’ve never seen a hardy kiwi fruit in a grocery store.”
Tulloch said the area is currently minimally utilized, used only for free play during recess. After the project is completed, she said teachers can hold lessons at the space and families can spend time there on the weekend.
“It’s a great space and it’s a great location, but it has minimal use, because once the sun comes out, there’s no shade, there’s no seating – it’s not a very welcoming environment,” Tulloch said.
The land belongs to the town, although it is adjacent to Hawlemont Elementary, and is the only park Charlemont, Tulloch said.
Next week, two Hawlemont parents – who are also carpenters – will build the area, Tulloch said. The parents are being paid to do the job.
The school originally applied for a grant from Big Y and were unsuccessful. However, the supermarket gave the school a donation of $3,500 anyway, Tulloch said. Big Y representatives awarded the donation to Hawlemont on Monday morning.
Reach Grace Bird at gbird@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 280.