In March 2023, John Hoefl, HS Civitan President, formed a committee to implement an Outdoor Classroom at Hollywood Park along Hot Springs Creek in Hot Springs, AR. The committee was formed with input from the Hot Springs School District, Lakeside School District, and First Step Special Services School. The committee consisted of eight members from civic and service clubs, local schools, the Hot Springs City Parks & Trails Department, and the HSNP Friends of the Park.

The concept of an outdoor classroom gained traction during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Mr. Hoefl observed at outdoor classroom at Garvan Woodland Gardens, where Lakeside School District students were able to meet once per week during the school year. The students and teachers had an enjoyable and educational time while keeping within COVID guidelines. This experience formed the seed for the Outdoor Classroom idea.

The Outdoor Classroom's main focus would be on physically and mentally challenged students, with the area being handicapped-accesible. According to retired UA-Little Rock professor Dr. Bruce Smith, "children with special needs are more apt to flourish in an outdoor environment, connecting almost immediately with nature, and learning."

Firstly, most of the shade trees around the amphitheater would be retained. The classroom area would cover approximately 80 x 40 ft, tiered down the natural slope of the area from the top of the hill down to where the two sidewalks intersect. Secondly, the metal-plastic coated benches, each 6 ft long, would be set up in a theater-style, so that those sitting in the back would have a clear view of the instruction display area. Thirdly, the concrete instruction area would have a awning-sheltered whiteboard approximately 7 ft tall by 8 ft wide, and would have an electronic whiteboard that would be locked when not in use, for security purposes. In front of the boards would be an electrical post, where one could place a display table or lectern. Fourthly, this same area would be where students in wheelchairs could view the instructor and display easily rather than being relegated to the back of the amphitheater. This area would be about 20 x 40 ft, and incorporate as much of the natural terrain as possible. The design would include French drains, crushed gravel fines, earthworks, and grading fill, alongside a display kiosk recognizing all contributors to this project.

The donations and grants used for this project would go towards planning and design, material acquisition, and construction of this new outdoor facility, with a target completion date set for fall 2025. The Outdoor Classroom would be managed and maintained by the City of Hot Springs Parks & Trails Department, with the area available for reservation by local schools, clubs, and educational groups.

"We are very excited and appreciative of the grants and donations received for the outdoor classroom at Hollywood Park. This is a very busy section of the Hot Springs Greenway Trail, and an outdoor classroom would benefit many area schools and organizations. The fact that this will be an all-inclusive classroom for all, with a focus on special needs students is an amenity that will make this area even more notable. We are thrilled to partner with the Friends of the Park and the Hot Springs Civitan Club on this wonderful endeavor." - Bill Burrough, City Manager of Hot Springs.

For more information, please contact John Hoefl at johnhoefl@yahoo.com or call (501) 627-8646.