NJLCA builds outdoor classroom

WALDWICK, N.J. - The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) has just completed its 2015 Day of Service (DOS) project at The Forum School, located in Waldwick, N.J. The Forum School is a private, non-profit, non- sectarian day school for students with Autism and other neurological dysfunctions. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Each year, members of the NJLCA volunteer their time and donate equipment and materials for their Day of Service project to help children in local communities. This year, The Forum School was chosen for the NJLCA DOS project. The inspiration for the project came from Danielle Goldstein, an occupational therapy assistant major at Eastwick College, and daughter of Rich Goldstein, Treasurer of the NJLCA. The school requested a sensory garden to help teachers educate students about the different senses, using plant material with different colors, textures and scents and garden structures including a pondless water fountain and colorful "talk-tube" for sound. The NJLCA took it one step further and built an entire outdoor classroom, including built-in seating and raised planters.

NJLCA Executive Director Jody Shilan, who designed the project, said, "Our members really enjoy working together and giving back to local communities. These projects truly are a labor of love and I am always so impressed with the generosity of our association members."

"When we first saw the plans, we expected a nice, colorful perennial garden for our students and teachers," said Brian Detlefsen, Principal of The Forum School. "However, now that the project is complete, we are amazed at how beautiful the outdoor classroom is. We can't wait to start using it."