press release

Poquoson receives grant for new elementary school

VMDO Architects brings funds to project

The tidal wetlands adjacent to the site of the new elementary school in Poquoson present a wonderful learning opportunity, and from the beginning, teachers identified them as a critical element of the design. The site is a stone's throw from the Chesapeake Bay, and plans were developed to not only incorporate the existing wetlands into the curriculum, but to create additional wetlands as part of an overall the strategy to manage storm water. The design incorporates trails and boardwalks, way-finding signage, and a learning laboratory while addressing both the quantity and quality of the storm water on site.

As inventive and useful as such elements are, nothing is free. And, with the cost of construction rising exponentially, the wetlands project came very close to being vetoed. It became apparent, in fact, that it would be cut from the project if additional funds weren't found. That's when VMDO Architects stepped in to partner with Poquoson City Schools to write a grant on behalf of the project.

In April, Poquoson received good news - the wetlands would be funded and the learning lab was safely within the project thanks to a grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The DCR named Poquoson as one of the recipients of its 2006 Water Quality Improvement Fund and awarded the city a $60,000 grant. The money will be used to restore 3 acres of wetlands encompassing the new Poquoson City Elementary School, as well as contribute towards the purchase and planting of 30,000 hydric wetland plants.

The restored wetlands will serve as a learning laboratory for students, and set an example of responsible development for the community. In addition to the wetlands, other LID BMPS (Limited Impact Development) will be utilized on the site to manage storm water. Water from the entry road and parking lots will be directed through surface flow and planted swales to a series of detention areas. Paved walks and plazas will drain into a rain garden that serves as the primary landscaping in front of the school. Planted swales will convey water around to school to constructed wetlands before releasing it to an existing wetland.

To show their gratitude and appreciation, the students of Poquoson Elementary sent thank-you letters to the DCR. VMDO Architects is extremely proud to be part of this project, and would like to share a few pieces of artwork by these very creative and talented children.

VMDO Architects was founded in 1976 and is the youngest firm to receive the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Virginia Architecture Award, the most prestigious honor given by the Virginia Society of American Institute of Architects.

For further information, interview, and photography opportunities in reference to this project and VMDO Architects, please contact William Bishop at 434.296.5684, email at bishop@vmdo.com.