Outdoor Learning Spaces

The focus of renewed spaces throughout the Veritas campus shifted to outdoor spaces for the summer 2022 project, which was funded by the 2022 Annual Auction, “Secret Garden.” The shift provided Veritas with two specific gardens, the Prayer Garden which is situated adjacent to Under the Oaks, and a Butterfly Garden in the corner of the Playground area and The Green. Additionally, the Veritas Playground was resurfaced to turf, providing more open spaces for students to run and play.

Prayer Garden

During the pandemic, Veritas acquired previously unused outdoor space by extending its fenceline along Mapleridge thus creating what is now known as Under the Oaks. The outdoor area was invaluable during the pandemic as a space used mostly for outdoor dining by middle school students. The space, which is approximately 4,000 square feet, is now home to the school’s new Prayer Garden. The Prayer Garden, which received a generous donation from the Kaczmarek family, serves as an open and reflective space where students, faculty and staff, and families can commune with God and spend time in prayer. Our parent prayer team has already used the space for such a time!

Under the Oaks Deck

Under the Oaks also received a much-needed update. Serving previously as an open grassy area, the project added a more usable decking space outlined with seating benches. The decking provides more outdoor classroom space, a meeting area for classes and middle school advisory, a reflective space, an outdoor dining area for parents who are visiting campus to eat lunch with their children, and so much more!

Butterfly Garden

In addition to the Prayer Garden, Veritas also created a Butterfly Garden. We anticipate that the garden will become a haven for many butterfly species that frequent Southwest Texas including Monarchs and various Swallowtails. It also provides Veritas students with the opportunity to learn more about indigenous plants and select wildlife as the gardens potentially become incorporated into Veritas’ science and STEAM curriculum.

Playground Turf

A tremendous part of the project for our outdoor learning spaces was resurfacing the current playground area. The new turf that was utilized for the playground area included an antimicrobial quickdrying surface and an adequate drainage system that allows students to utilize the playground soon after rainstorms. The turf also includes an organic infill system and provides an antimicrobial surface for students. Especially high traffic sections and potential fall zones have added padding to ensure students have safe landing areas. Previously, the playground had separate mulched areas which created fragmented spaces for running. Now, with nearly 8,000 square feet of continuous turfed surfacing connecting the entire playground area - larger playground, swings, and early education playground - students have a larger continuous running space during recesses and bonus playtimes!

New Playground Equipment

In conjunction with the resurfacing project associated with the playground area, Veritas students also received new play equipment. These include “Big Blue Blocks” and two spinners. The building blocks encourage and inspire children to design their own inventions, environments, and activities through deep and joyful play. The added spinners on the playground also help younger Veritas students in their overall motor development while stimulating their cognitive skills and logical thinking. It also builds young developing students’ agility, balance, and coordination skills.

As you consider your annual giving, please keep in mind that the annual campus beautification projects are fully funded by Veritas’ Annual Auction and Gala.

Thank you to all of those within the Veritas Community who helped make the Outdoor Learning Spaces possible!