Trinity School moves outdoors: outdoor classroom, amphitheater under construction Trinity School moves outdoors: outdoor classroom, amphitheater under construction (August 23, 2000)

A $1.3 million renovation project to create an outdoor classroom, garden and amphitheater at St. Bede's Trinity School in Menlo Park is expected to be mostly completed by the time students return from summer vacation this fall.

The six-month project, which covers about an acre and a half, is set to be completed by October 11, said Julie Backlund, business manager for the 38-year-old school, which is jointly owned by Trinity Parish and St. Bede's Episcopal Church. A dedication ceremony is set for October 15.

Dubbed Project LEAF, which stands for "learning, environment, arts and fitness," the project carves three distinct terraces into a mostly undeveloped area in what's called the "lower site" of the school, which is located behind St. Bede's at 2650 Sand Hill Road.

Once completed, teachers and the school's 125 students will be able to use an outdoor classroom to study natural science. There will be a garden with a propagation shed, an outdoor amphitheater with tiered seating, a playing field, and a hardtop playground for basketball.

School officials say the project will enhance the school's education program for children in preschool through grade 5 by providing an environment for interactive teaching methods.

"Since we live in California, we're trying to make use of the outdoor space and to teach children to learn from it and take care of it," said Ms. Backlund.