JHCA enhancing campus with new athletic field, outdoor fitness area, sledding hill, and landscaping
Jackson Hole Classical Academy is undertaking a beautification and recreational enhancement project on the west side of its 80-acre campus at 2500 S. Park Loop Road. The Academy moved to its current location in 2019 and established instructional space in modular buildings. The current project, designed by Grand Rapids, Mich. based firm AMDG Architects, adds a grass soccer field, an outdoor fitness area with wood-timbered structures, a sledding hill, and new landscaping. This field and landscaping investment in JHCA and the broader community is scheduled for completion later this Fall. The outdoor fitness course is scheduled for completion next Spring.
AMDG Senior Landscape Architect Mark Winters describes the scope of the landscaping work, “Improvements include a new grass athletic field as well as significant landscaping and berms along S. Park Loop Road. New plantings are comprised of native deciduous and evergreen trees interwoven with native plants and shrubs.” In addition to this foliage, a north-south walking path will be built along the western property line. A sledding hill will be added along the north side of the JHCA entrance drive, which is, according to Winters, “designed to promote winter recreation and enjoyment.” The new soccer field is for Academy and community use. The Academy’s existing field is rented consistently for local club sports.
Dean of Students and Athletics Director Sam Lunz is thrilled with the addition of an outdoor fitness area. “The new equipment is designed for students in middle and high school, providing them with an outdoor space to focus on fitness and core strength. The area will be set up as an obstacle course circuit, enabling the students to challenge themselves physically while spending time in nature.” Winters adds to this discussion, stating that the fitness area “will enhance not only student fitness but will be consistent with the natural aesthetic of the improvements.”
Head of School Polly Friess says the project will complement the natural beauty of the school’s location and maximize the 360-degree mountain views. She adds that, “the modular campus is sufficient for now, but we are experiencing healthy growth in our student population and are beginning to plan for the future." Friess emphasizes that the landscaping work not only beautifies the area along S. Park Loop Road but integrates well with the neighboring properties.
Jackson-based Ridgeline Excavation is preparing the site, while Trail Creek Nursery, located in Victor, Idaho, will landscape along S. Park Loop Road and the JHCA entrance drive, lay sod on the grass fields, and install a new irrigation system. Construction Manager, GE Johnson, is providing oversight to the project.
Jackson Hole Classical Academy is a private, K–12 school offering a liberal arts education in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Classical education is focused on developing both the heart and mind of students and teaching them how to think, not what to think. The Academy is in its eighth year and held its second high school graduation this past June. Graduates have gone on to attend fine schools, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Wesleyan University, University of Wyoming, and Utah State University. Contact Ian Landis at ilandis@jhclassical.org to schedule a tour and apply today.
Nondiscrimination Policy: Jackson Hole Classical Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Jackson Hole Classical Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.