Plans to transform an unused and relatively unspoiled plot of land into a field of educational opportunities are in the works. The idea took root when Summit Academy Akron Middle School Title 1/MTSS teacher Tasha Hunter envisioned the land behind the Mogadore Road school building and adjacent Summit Academy Management offices as an outdoor classroom.
“When I started at Akron Middle three years ago, I was fortunate enough to be given a room that faces the green space. Each day when I looked outside, I would see something new: a family of deer, squirrels, blue jays, cardinals, chickadees and more,” says Hunter, an outdoor enthusiast and firm believer of the benefits of connecting with nature.
Hunter approached Summit Academy Management CEO John Guyer with a proposal to create a nature trail and outdoor learning center within the space. With Guyer’s approval, a small team – including Hunter, Akron Middle science teacher Tom Sirianni, Chief Operating Officer Sara Andreski and Kyle Baldwin, coordinator, enrollment and fundraising – formed to put the plan into action.
The trailblazers began that mission in late 2025, exploring the 4-plus-acre plot on foot. They mapped out and marked off a future walking path and discovered a treasure trove of possibilities for teaching and learning. Hunter describes the forthcoming outdoor learning environment as an extension of the school, supporting student academics, social-emotional learning and well-being.
“Students will engage in hands-on lessons across content areas such as observing ecosystems for science, creating descriptive writing for English language arts, mapping the trail for social studies and collecting measurement data for math,” Hunter explains.
Sirianni has been tapping natural resources experts, including his daughter, Julianna Sirianni, who studies and works with native and evasive species, for recommendations on making the most of the space. “We are trying to make an outdoor classroom with multiple hands-on opportunities which can enhance learning experiences and create awesome life skills like growing food and flowers,” he says.
Hunter adds that the green space could also provide a setting for mindfulness walks, cooperative activities and reflection time. “Connecting with nature improves focus, reduces stress, increases engagement and helps students become active, curious learners who build a deeper understanding of the world around them,” Hunter says.
With sufficient financial support, the first phase of the project – the creation of a walking path – is expected to be completed this spring.
“Donors can support this exciting initiative now. Funds raised will directly support the development of the pathway, and any additional funds will enhance the space with features like outdoor learning furniture, pollinator gardens and more,” Baldwin says.
Those interested in contributing toward the project can do so here.