Beech Tree News Network

Students at Morgantown Elementary School starting next school year will no longer have to walk to our City Park to access outdoor picnic tables like the ones pictured here.

Earlier this month, Governor Beshear announced Morgantown Elementary was one of the 37 projects in 31 counties funded to receive picnic tables for their recently designated Outdoor Classroom. The tables themselves are part of the educational experience as they are made from recycled tires. “This program takes a problem - waste tires in Kentucky - and turns it into an opportunity,” said Gov. Beshear. “ These projects support our new Kentucky home and provide outdoor resources like walking trails and updated playgrounds that support an active lifestyle for our families.

” Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman said the program continues to grow in popularity. “This year we had 52 applicants from across the Commonwealth. Not only are we able to help grow the tire-recycling market across the state and encourage proper management of waste tires, but, we’re also supporting our communities in creating recreational opportunities.

” MES Principal Hunter Gary expressed his sincere appreciation for the funding and the tremendous support their application received by state and local leaders. "We are incredibly excited to improve our great school with an outdoor classroom. We already have many ideas for how to design the classroom with a Science, Agriculture, and STEM focus. We are about to begin conversations with our local 4-H to see how we can partner to give our students the best experiences possible." .