For the past several years, Arden Lawn has been a popular location on Poly’s campus as a leisure outdoor space for faculty, students and visitors. Recent discussions, however, have spurred the need for its climate-conscious redevelopment. In light of Pasadena’s water conservation policies, the lawn has struggled with overly compacted soil, contributing to poor vegetation growth and the accumulation of excessive dust or mud during varying weather conditions. With the help of students who brought up these immediate concerns and proposed solutions to the school’s leadership team, Poly has been making strides towards remediating these challenges.

Laura Fleming, Poly’s Manager of Environmental Sustainability, noted the quick progress the school has made thus far: “Poly has hired CPMA Landscape Design to help reimagine the space, reflecting Poly’s needs and values, and they are currently charged with creating a conceptual plan. Recently, CPMA, a design landscape design firm established by Michele Antenorcrus and Carol Plotkin, met with several stakeholder groups to learn how the space is used now and to discuss how a redesign could enhance student life, offer flexible and inviting space, promote outdoor learning and foster a sense of community. The next step is for CPMA to come back with a summary of what they learned from stakeholders, present some general options and get feedback.”

The project aims to improve soil health, boost biodiversity and conserve water to make a flourishing space for our community. This redesign of Arden Lawn also presents new opportunities for Upper School students to engage with the nature around them as native plants and wildlife return.

Sophomore Audrey Ma expresses optimism for the future of this project adding, “I see Arden as a place where we can not only focus on green initiatives as a school but also a place where we can connect with one another as a community.”