MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Bridgestone Canada (BSCA) and Evergreen, a national charity that works to make cities more liveable, have teamed up to create an outdoor classroom for a Mississauga elementary school.

Thornwood Public School has been selected to receive a grant and professional assistance from Evergreen’s Learning Grounds program to make the outdoor space at Thornwood a more enjoyable and functional place to play and learn.

“Safe outdoor learning environments are important for young children,” said Jeannine Quinn, division manager of human resources at BSCA. “We decided to support Evergreen in 2007 because the impact of its greening enhancement projects was so clear and conclusive: happier children today and greater respect for the environment in the future.”

BSCA and Evergreen will be working with Thornwood to develop an outdoor classroom where staff and students will be able to learn together in a natural environment. Evergreen has begun meeting with the school to gather input from students, parents and staff to help design the space.

“This program is extra special,” said Nancy MacDonald, principal at Thornwood Public School. “Bridgestone and Evergreen have gone to great lengths to rally the support of our students, teachers and parents in helping to develop the plan for our new grounds. The program has the feeling of a true partnership, which is great.”

The school has take steps to become more sustainable over the past few years through green-geared education, recycling programs and regular garbage-free lunches.

Phase one of the installation of the new school grounds is set to begin later this year.