ASTROTURF OASIS AT HARPENDEN SCHOOL

An astroturf oasis is being constructed at a central Harpenden school, thanks to the hard work of pupils, parents and local businesses including Jarvis Contracting.

A central quad at Sir John Lawes School is being transformed with a spectacular planting display, decking and seating area, and a surprisingly realistic artificial lawn that will look lush and cared for all year round. Work has already commenced on the initiative, which has been dubbed ‘Project Oasis’.

Parents and staff, via the School Association, have already raised £14,000 for the project and are now hoping to raise an additional £20,000 by July 2011, through ventures including a fashion show, barn dance, Christmas raffle and sponsored shark dive. Local businesses are offering their support with sponsorship. 

Julia Verney, Chair of the School Association, says: “We’re transforming a muddy area into something beautiful and inspiring. What is really exciting is the involvement of the students. Artists are going to help them design sculptures and murals. They are also going to create a seating area with the help of Jarvis Contracting. These will form the focal point and will be very popular with pupils. Working with Jarvis, a local construction company, has been a revelation – they’re very supportive and will be showing our pupils a few tricks of the trade. The children will benefit hugely from this experience and the results will be enjoyed by everyone.”

Steve Cook, Managing Director of Jarvis Contracting, says: “We are pleased to support community initiatives whenever we can. A major part of our work is in the education sector and Sir John Lawes is one of our local schools. We’re assisting Tom Dawson, one of the A level pupils, with his plans to design, build and create a hardwearing new area for relaxing, using concrete for the main structure and stylish timber seats. Many of our staff went to the school, or have children there, and this oasis will hopefully be enjoyed by generations of children to come.”

Fiona Green, a garden designer and parent at the school, is coordinating the planting with Sir John Lawes’ Gardening Club, and says: “The planting has been designed to provide all year round colour and interest while being reasonably easy to look after, and will complement the astroturf that has been laid there recently. We’ll have a group of parents and students coming to plant up the borders on Saturday 6 November and hope the local press will be interested in seeing the amazing results!“