Setting down roots
In the coming years, stately oak trees will provide a canopy of shade along the track at Lake Highlands Junior High School, giving students needed protection from the beating sun. Colorful crape myrtles and redbud trees, both with bright blooms, will dot the roadways along Ferndale and Walnut Hill by the school.
Adding 130 trees over the coming three years is part of a multistep beautification project aimed at making the campus’ outdoor space more inviting. In addition to the new bevy of saplings, the project will include a cut-limestone seating area and new retaining walls for expanded green space.
“Lake Highlands Estate Neighborhood Association seeded the project with a large donation, but it will take other civic organizations and community members to realize the project,” says Carolyn Potter, PTA president at LHJH, adding that the total project cost is $47,500. “The cut limestone seating areas outside the Walnut Hill side of campus, the retaining walls around the auditorium and tearing out the concrete parkway along Walnut Hill are the bulk of the expense.”
Led by organizers Potter, Mark Gray of M-Gray Architects and Cary Woodall, the PTA is still collecting funds online to finish the project. Those who can’t donate dollars can take part in a work day on Jan. 13 from 8-10 a.m. to help plant the first phase of trees around campus. The PTA will provide donuts, coffee and all materials. Join Richardson ISD trustees Jean Bono, Eron Linn and Karen Clardy in making the junior high look its best, and sign up here.
