Reilly Elementary students and the surrounding Highland neighborhood will soon enjoy their own wildlife habitat that enhances the green space and promotes mental wellbeing. The community will celebrate the opening of the Reilly Social and Emotional Learning Gardens through a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 26.

The SEL garden will be a sustainable, meditative space that will implement healthy self-esteem, curiosity and cooperation through gardening. The garden was made possible through a $130,320 grant awarded to the Austin Ed Fund by the St. David’s Foundation.

Who: The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks from Austin ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, AISD Trustee Kevin Foster, City Council Member Greg Casar, Austin Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Liana Kallivoka and St. David’s Foundation President and CEO Ed Burger.

When: 11 a.m, Wednesday, May 26.

Where: Reilly Elementary School, 405 Denson Drive.

The garden is a collaboration among Austin ISD Construction Management, Austin Ed Fund, Austin Parks Foundation, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department, the Highland Neighborhood Association, Reilly Elementary School and the St. David’s Foundation.

Throughout the day of the ceremony, students from each grade level will visit the garden and participate in a commemorative activity.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony will be closed to the public. However, community members are encouraged to visit the garden after school hours. Images and videos of the ribbon cutting will be shared following the ceremony.

For more information about this project, please visit the Social Emotional Learning gardens at Reilly Elementary School Park project page.

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