Leonard R. Flynn Elementary is an inner city school in San Francisco’s Mission District.  It serves a community made up of minority & under served students that have little access to outdoor learning.  As an expansion to the existing garden learning program, a 900 gallon rainwater collection system and learning zone was designed and installed, not just to provide water, but primarily as an outdoor teaching element.

Working with Flynn PTA garden coordinator Vanya Goldberg and Tap the Sky/Education Outside consultant Kat Sawyer, Joel Baumgardner designed, sought funding and obtained permits for the project.  Joel, Vanya and Kat received generous support from WRNS Studio, Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction, Sherwood Design Engineers, Herrero Builders, The Center for Green Schools and the Flynn PTA.

The project included the rain tank, piping, a hand pump, benches and planters to create a place for outdoor interactive demonstrative learning.