A Gem at the Heart of the Upper School
For decades, Arden Lawn has been one of Polytechnic School’s most cherished outdoor spaces, offering a scenic backdrop for morning meetings, advisory picnics, club fairs, and countless moments of student connection. During the pandemic, it even transformed into an outdoor classroom. This summer, Arden Lawn entered an exciting new chapter through a comprehensive restoration project that blended sustainability, heritage, and community input.
The project began with a vision: to preserve Arden’s historic oaks and create a natural, sustainable space that reflects Poly’s values. Students from Avi Mclelland-Cohen's 2024 Climate Change elective presented to Head of School John Bracker and Upper School Director José Melgoza, pitching Arden as a focus for a rewilding initiative and also suggested adding water retention technologies to keep more water on campus and ameliorate flooding. Students followed up on this proposal by presenting it to the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2024, and they shared how Arden Lawn was in crisis due to its compacted and unhealthy soil, which required immediate attention. They also asked for a commitment to prioritize native plants in any restoration of this space.
In conversation with student advocacy, landscape designers Carol Plotkin and Michele Antenorcruz proposed a plan centered on native plants, water-conscious design, and environmentally responsible materials. An anonymous donor was inspired by Carol and Michele's design and enthusiastically chose to support this beautification project for the school, becoming the catalyst to help Poly realize this vision. “We wanted to honor the fact that this was the last bit of undeveloped land at Poly,” said Michele. “That guided how we did everything—keeping a light touch on the land and being in right relation to the place.”
The challenges were significant. Years of compacted and depleted soil required rejuvenation, while water management called for creative solutions. The restoration introduced a dry riverbed and a rain garden to capture runoff from surrounding buildings. Permeable pathways and seating made from reclaimed city trees—milled and kiln-dried by Angel City Lumber—further underscored the project’s commitment to sustainability.
The design also preserved Arden’s hügelkultur mound, originally built by students, as a living reminder of Poly’s ongoing eco-conscious initiatives. “Sustainability is present in everything we did,” Carol noted. “It’s multipurpose—contemplative, functional, and educational.”
The renewed Arden Lawn now features inviting walkways, outdoor furniture, and flexible spaces for classes, performances, and quiet reflection. A small amphitheater and enhanced access to the Boswell Art Building, featuring blank mural walls that invite student creativity, encourage new forms of engagement. Arden further celebrates the arts with several spots for sculpture displays and even materials around the planter beds that invite students to create temporary land art installations. Interpretive signs and maps will soon help guide visitors and highlight the ecological significance of the restoration.
Already, the community is embracing the revitalized space. Arden Lawn served as the centerpiece for Poly’s all-school family picnic and is quickly becoming a favorite spot for outdoor learning and gathering. “Over my 20-plus years at Poly, I’ve watched Arden evolve with each new generation,” reflected José Melgoza, Upper School Director. “This renovation honors its history while preparing it for the future.”
More than just a renovation, the Arden Lawn project stands as a symbol of Poly’s dedication to sustainability. It is a place where students and teachers alike can connect—with nature and each other—ensuring Arden Lawn remains a gem at the heart of campus.
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The project began with a vision: to preserve Arden’s historic oaks and create a natural, sustainable space that reflects Poly’s values. Students from Avi Mclelland-Cohen's 2024 Climate Change elective presented to Head of School John Bracker and Upper School Director José Melgoza, pitching Arden as a focus for a rewilding initiative and also suggested adding water retention technologies to keep more water on campus and ameliorate flooding. Students followed up on this proposal by presenting it to the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2024, and they shared how Arden Lawn was in crisis due to its compacted and unhealthy soil, which required immediate attention. They also asked for a commitment to prioritize native plants in any restoration of this space.
In conversation with student advocacy, landscape designers Carol Plotkin and Michele Antenorcruz proposed a plan centered on native plants, water-conscious design, and environmentally responsible materials. An anonymous donor was inspired by Carol and Michele's design and enthusiastically chose to support this beautification project for the school, becoming the catalyst to help Poly realize this vision. “We wanted to honor the fact that this was the last bit of undeveloped land at Poly,” said Michele. “That guided how we did everything—keeping a light touch on the land and being in right relation to the place.”
The challenges were significant. Years of compacted and depleted soil required rejuvenation, while water management called for creative solutions. The restoration introduced a dry riverbed and a rain garden to capture runoff from surrounding buildings. Permeable pathways and seating made from reclaimed city trees—milled and kiln-dried by Angel City Lumber—further underscored the project’s commitment to sustainability.
The design also preserved Arden’s hügelkultur mound, originally built by students, as a living reminder of Poly’s ongoing eco-conscious initiatives. “Sustainability is present in everything we did,” Carol noted. “It’s multipurpose—contemplative, functional, and educational.”
The renewed Arden Lawn now features inviting walkways, outdoor furniture, and flexible spaces for classes, performances, and quiet reflection. A small amphitheater and enhanced access to the Boswell Art Building, featuring blank mural walls that invite student creativity, encourage new forms of engagement. Arden further celebrates the arts with several spots for sculpture displays and even materials around the planter beds that invite students to create temporary land art installations. Interpretive signs and maps will soon help guide visitors and highlight the ecological significance of the restoration.
Already, the community is embracing the revitalized space. Arden Lawn served as the centerpiece for Poly’s all-school family picnic and is quickly becoming a favorite spot for outdoor learning and gathering. “Over my 20-plus years at Poly, I’ve watched Arden evolve with each new generation,” reflected José Melgoza, Upper School Director. “This renovation honors its history while preparing it for the future.”
More than just a renovation, the Arden Lawn project stands as a symbol of Poly’s dedication to sustainability. It is a place where students and teachers alike can connect—with nature and each other—ensuring Arden Lawn remains a gem at the heart of campus.
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