13 Oct Dixon School of Arts and Sciences, Inc.

Posted at 20:54h in 2024, Dixon School of Arts and Sciences, Inc., Environment & Recreation, Nonprofit by

Dixon School of arts and sciences, inc.

IMPACT 100 Natural Wonders Park at Dixon School of Arts and Sciences

Grant Year: 2024 | Focus Area: Environment & Recreation| Grant Amount: $100,670 | Grant Status: In progress

The mission of Dixon School of Arts and Sciences is to provide values-based excellence in academic achievement focused on the arts and sciences and to provide creative experiences for its scholars, their families, and the community. Dixon is a Title I private school, serving 280 predominantly minority students in a neighborhood designated by the State of Florida as an “Opportunity Zone,” or an economically distressed community. All students receive free lunch and transportation to and from school. The goal is to ensure that these children from the area’s most insecure households have access to world-class Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) curriculum, helping them understand the world around them. The school philosophy includes STEAM education is critically important for building vocabulary, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and reflection skills. Examples of current extracurricular offerings include a performing arts program, field trips, and multiple community partnerships that expose students to STEAM subjects. 

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

The IMPACT 100 Natural Wonders Park will restore, revitalize, and enhance 1.25 acres of unimproved ground behind Dixon into a fun play space providing Dixon scholars and families a place to explore the environment, connect with the outdoors, develop social skills outside of the classroom, and improve health and wellness. IMPACT 100 grant funds will be used to enhance this space with natural foliage, shade trees, and grass, constructing a covered amphitheater with stage and seating, creating a gravel walking path to surround the entire play area, and resurfacing an existing sports court. The amphitheater will be used for classes, performances, movie nights, and community events, and will also be available for public rental. The walking path will have educational activities themed after famous athletes, artists, and scientists, including a music wall, butterfly bushes and birdhouses, a rock river, and Lucite planters to view how plants grow below the surface. Along the path, children will encounter slides, balance beams, a rock-climbing wall and a new basketball court. Life-size blocks, balls, and other recess equipment will be provided for free play. While enjoying the activities, children will also learn about inspirational figures featured in the park through educational signage. 

EXPECTED IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

The campus does not have an area for students to play outdoors. This grant will provide an opportunity to change the way at least 500 scholars annually view their own learning process and potential. Dixon scholars have limited opportunities to experience a safe, friendly outdoor environment and most students in the inner-city Pensacola area are not able to freely play outside their homes. The IMPACT 100 Natural Wonders Park will provide scholars and other local youth with the ability to safely experience the park’s features through play, build confidence, develop senses, and improve overall health and wellness. The Park will provide a needed space for Dixon to host community activities during and after school hours. Dixon is in the heart of the Brownsville community where there is long-standing neighborhood blight, but by beautifying the area, this project will enhance and revitalize a large tract of underutilized land, providing a visual boost to the neighborhood, surrounding properties, and create pride throughout the Brownsville neighborhood.

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