Late last year the Association discussed the need of the Alumni to have a physical presence at the high school in addition to the Hall of Fame. It was further suggested that there was a need for a gathering place suitable for students, teachers, and alumni functions. The Association targeted the area known as the Courtyard East. This is an area outdoors that is located adjacent to the teachers' dining area and the students' cafeteria. The current state of the area is unattractive and in need of a face lift. With some imagination this area could be transformed into an attractive outdoor gathering place. The project, when completed, will be named the Arlington High School Alumni Memorial Garden and will be so designated at a dedication ceremony.
Superintendent of Schools Kay Donovan has given the Association permission to go forward with the planning stage for this project. The President appointed a committee made up of three members of the Board of Directors to move the project along. They are Marie Spelman Krepelka, Joe Daly, and Jack Bowler, Chair.
The committee contacted the Community Outreach Group (COG), Inc. for Landscape Design. The Boston Society of Landscape Architects sponsors this group. COG, Inc. is a non-profit organization supported in part by the Radcliffe Seminars in Landscape. COG, Inc. is the facilitator between community organizations and landscape design students looking for "in the field" design and client experience. COG, Inc. is looking forward to working with the Alumni Association on our courtyard design project. There are four phases: Conceptual, Planning and Design, Fund Raising, and Construction. We are now entering the Planning and Design Phase. More news to follow.