In lieu of the artificial drainage system specified by the school's architects, the Tukwila Team proposed a natural swale that would connect a retention pond, also natural, to the wetland just west of the school property. On either side of the pond would be a garden and a bird sanctuary. A natural trail would be created in the wooded area, along with interpretive signage. The trail would lead to observation decks, rest areas, wetlands, and a glen. The entry would have a network compass (Click here for: A Network of Compasses), providing a place to wait for parents that can easily be surveilled by staff. These new facilities can easily be constructed with assistance from children and their families. Here is how a fifth-grade boy and girl envision the site:

I think we should have a path in the woods. There should be signs telling what the animals and trees are. About halfway down the path there could be a bench to sit on and a water fountain to drink from. At the beginning of the trail you should get a card with all the animals you might see. At the end you could try to find an animal that is not on the list.

Only four or five people can go on the path at a time. Two minutes later another group can go. I say that because if there are too many people it might scare the animals. They should have to keep their voices down. The path should be by the edge of the woods. The people should not go away from the path. There might be a fence. The trail should be 1/2 of a mile long. They should have to wear tennis shoes on the trail.

Essential to this school site are the playing fields on the upper tier of the school property. To these existing uses, the Cascade View Team would add outdoor classrooms, gardens, new play areas, and an exercise trail that would more effectively link the school site to the sidewalk system. In response to the principal's need for lower maintenance, the team researched several species of hardy plants and shrubs, and located them so as to block cold winds. The breezeway spaces leading into the court yard would become an outdoor art studio that would accommodate children painting large murals. This studio would add color and activity to what is now a monochromatic, unused space. The entry would have a network compass (Click here for: A Network of Compasses), providing a place to wait for parents that can easily be surveilled by staff. In addition, the team made several suggestions to improve safety of the school site. Neighbors in adjoining property would be asked to keep an eye on the area, an emergency call box would be installed on a storage facility, and the sidewalk would be extended from the school to the bus stop to create safe passage for children using public transportation.

Here is what four fifth grade girls at Tukwila Elementary School envisioned as their ideal classroom in nature:

We are making a wonderful thing everyone will want to participate in. It is a place where there is a stream and rocks to sit on. There will be tree houses that are so safe they have nets in case you fall. There is also a bridge to go across the stream. This place will be a privilege for the children. For children in wheelchairs, one of the tree houses will be very short so there will be a ramp going up. That way the people in wheelchairs can go on it. You can also learn from this experience. If you are studying science, your teacher can tell you some facts about this forest. If it is art time, Miss Hamilton can take you out there to do water colors. We just love what we have created.