York Community High School Installs ADA Friendly Walkway

ELMHURST, IL — York Community High School recently installed a concrete sidewalk compliant with American Disabilities Act guidelines in the courtyard outside the academic building. The district said York Administration and Building Manager Jerry Christopherson worked together to complete the work while students and faculty were on spring break.

According to the district, members of York Garden Club, its sponsors and Elmhurst Garden Club mentors are thrilled with the new sidewalk. They have collected enough money to pay back the school for its installation. This addition completes the design plan created four years ago by Lisa Peterson, a member of EGC who also
serves as a mentor to the York Garden Club. She also is the owner of Botanic Designs.

Additionally, the walkway received funding from the District 205 Foundation, which has been vital in planting York Garden Club's growing spaces. It was the District 205 Foundation that provided "seed capital" to build the first raised beds and instructional gardens built at York in 2014 and 2015.

York faculty members Andrew Bendelow, Lauren Yun and Ronny Rayan are the club’s sponsors. Norma Farrell and Jan Foster, along with Peterson, were original mentors. They have now been joined by Laurie Loresch, Juluia Lamb and Jill Johnston.

“We look forward to the gardens being accessible to all students and staff members. We hope that the space will be able to be used for rest and solitude, as well as an outdoor classroom,” Jan Foster said in a release.

Photo provided by District 205.