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<br />~!~ <br /> <br />OAK CREEK ELEMENTARY <br />3333 Oak Creek Drive West <br />Mr. Dieter Rein, Principal <br /> <br />HA~RIS()N S( HOO[ DISTRICl TWO <br /> <br />.. <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />December 5, 1995 <br /> <br />Terry Moulton <br />Colorado Water Conservation Board <br />Department of Natural Resources <br />721 State Centennial Building <br />Denver, CO 80203 <br /> <br />The Oak Creek Elementary staff worked closely with the Harrison <br />District #2 maintenance department and community members to make this <br />Environmental Center a success. The Colorado Springs Water Department <br />has been a valuable partner, as well as members of the Colorado Springs <br />Men's Garden Club. Without the support, knowledge, and contacts of the <br />late Leroy Fish our program may not have been as successful. A program <br />such as this takes time, commitment, dedication, and money. Planning <br />is essential. <br /> <br />The quote from the movie "Field of Dreams" - "Build it and they will <br />come", comes to mind. This project had been on the minds of many for <br />several years. Not until the first small grant from the Division of Wild- <br />life did our dreams become a reality. The project was begun and they came. <br />We were fortunate to receive more grants and dedicated individuals who <br />volunteered many hours of their services. <br /> <br />A group of landscape architects compiled a plant list and designed the <br />pathways throughout the center. This group donated many man hours to formu- <br />late a workable plan for the center. Their final plans considered water <br />needs, slope of the land, and money. Many wonderful ideas had to be tabled <br />because of the cost of implementation or maintenance. Their original plan <br />moved from a low water intense area to a high water intense area. Pathways <br />and plant lists are included in these plans. However, at this time we will <br />not be able to complete the water intense area because of funding. <br /> <br />This project has consumed much more time and money than originally <br />projected. The xeriscape area was the first section to be completed. This <br />area was the smallest section of the center. Fortunately our school was <br />on split sessions at this time. Our maintenance person was able to direct <br />his time and energy each afternoon to this project. His knowledge and <br />dedication has also been a benefit to our center. <br /> <br />A sundial and amphitheater were the areas that consumed the majority <br />of time and money. Volunteers and businesses were relied upon heavily <br />Before either could be built we had to wait on donated designs. Once the <br />plans were finished the water system had to be moved. The weather did not <br />even cooperate. When using volunteers be sure to schedule in double the <br />time on your time line. These people have already shown an interest in <br />your project but remember they are doing this in their spare time. <br /> <br />(719) 579-9790 <br /> <br />Colorado SinS, Colorado 80906 <br /> <br />FAX (719 576-7704 <br />