Learning in the Leaves is a CityStudio a pilot project bringing outdoor classrooms to the city.

The vision is to transform under-utilized spaces in parks around Vancouver into places of outdoor learning where teachers can bring the classroom outside and learn while connected to nature. Learning in the Leaves is piloting an outdoor school model at the Stanley Park A-Frame and exploring its potential to become an outdoor learning place for schools and community programs. The first event at the site in November 2014, invited educators, parents, children, and interested community members to share their ideas about outdoor learning and imagine how the space could be used. The project aims to develop an outdoor school model where teachers can book the A-Frame and use the surrounding green space as a learning place.

The project site is the A-Frame in Ceperley Meadows, Stanley Park. The building is heated, has one washroom and two small rooms available for program or organization use. Adjacent to the building is an outdoor cooking area, covered picnic benches, and public washrooms. The site is a short walk from Lost Lagoon, Second Beach, and several forested areas. We chose this location after reviewing the Place-Based Environmental Education Field House Feasibility Study for the Vancouver Park Board. The A-Frame is an underutilized space that is available and located in one of Vancouver’s special wild places.