Raleigh Nursery School, established in 1949, is located in downtown Raleigh, NC and has progressed towards the naturalization of their outdoor learning environment as a participating POD Wake demonstration center, with the help of community partners.

The children enjoy a concrete, wheeled toy pathway loop in the preschool space, which provides a continuous circuit throughout the OLE. A new sandbox, acoustic play area, and a butterfly garden create destinations throughout.

The center has a goal of growing the majority of vegetables served to the children on-site and has installed 601 square feet of raised vegetable beds which provide close to year-round harvests. Support from community partners has contributed to the renovation of the OLE, with the greatest efforts coming as a part of PNC Bank’s Grow up Great initiative. Over sixty volunteers from PNC have logged more than 200 hours at the center, helping to install the pathways and tire planters, construct the garden beds, and assist with plantings.

Raleigh Nursery School has invested $13,900 in their OLE through during the POD Wake project.