Construction to begin on new eco-friendly school

(Daily Herald) Outdoor classrooms, playscapes and school gardens are not things seen at most schools. These features are part of the new Quail Run Primary Charter School that is one step closer to being built after last week's Pleasant Grove City Council meeting.

Council members approved the final plat proposal for the school site, which will be located at approximately 600 W. 3300 North. Site plan approval was also received by the city's Planning Commission last week. The school, which will serve children in kindergarten through eighth grade, is expected to open in fall 2010.

Described as an environmentally responsible school, Quail Run is expected to be the first school in Utah County that has LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, meaning it meets certain internationally recognized environmental standards.

"We are seeking LEED certification as this helps us to tell the story that living in harmony with the environment doesn't have to come at a higher financial cost," said Barbara Alldredge, Quail Run board chairwoman.

Gary Fullmer, board treasurer, said a number of ingredients go into the LEED certification. Those ingredients include how the facility is built and how it is operated.

"We will be recycling our construction waste," Fullmer said, noting that the trash will be separated and reused, rather than being dumped in a landfill.

"One of our key goals is to not cut down any trees," Fullmer said. During excavation of the property, foliage and even rocks will be saved for reuse. "If we have to cut down trees or move rocks, they will be integrated into the landscape and used as playscapes." The playscapes will be an eco-friendly alternative to plastic or metal playground equipment.

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