Gabe, a fifth-grader at West Woodland Elementary, is not a fan of running the mile in gym class, especially not on grass, which makes the task even more difficult. Luckily for Gabe, on Oct. 27 West Woodland dedicated a new track as part of a handful of school improvements, including a new playground and rain garden.

The projects – playground improvements, library upgrades, new flooring and energy efficiency improvements – were started in June with a budget of $363,750 funded through Seattle Public School's Business, Technology and Academics Levy and a $67,750 matching grant from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.

West Woodland Principal Marilyn Loveness said one of the messages the school staff tries to impart on its students is they are part of a caring community. She said these projects, which were made possible through contributions from all areas of city government and the community, are the epitome of that message.

Jodi Freeman, a parent volunteer who chaired the grant committee and helped coordinate volunteers, estimated about 850 people, including neighbors who have no relation to the school located at 5601 Fourth Ave. N.W., donated their time during the past two years.

Deputy Mayor Darryl Smith said the new playground, track and rain garden are truly a great project for the whole neighborhood.

Henry, another West Woodland fifth-grader, said the old playground used to break down a lot. He said the new playground is great, especially its spinning toys, and its colors match the school's colors.

Research shows play is important to learning and is one of the biggest correlations to academic achievement, said Bree Dusseault, Seattle Public Schools' executive director of schools for the northwest region.

In addition to bettering students' opportunity for play, the projects dedicated Oct. 27 underscore West Woodland's commitment to environmental sustainability, according to the school.

The track is made of porous asphalt, which reduces rainwater runoff, and the rain garden, which was donated by Seattle Public Utilities, will divert runoff from the school's roof and prevent it from entering Puget Sound untreated. It will be used as an educational tool by fourth and fifth-graders.

The projects, which also include new heating and insulation, show the school is doing its part to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, said Seattle School Board member Michael DeBell, whose three children went to West Woodland.

"It's a very happy day to make an improvement like this for West Woodland," he said.