School District update on Aspen Memorial Garden during parking lot improvements

||| FROM SUZANNA SMITH for ORCAS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT |||

The Orcas Island School District would like to provide an update regarding ongoing construction associated with the Orcas Island High School Parking Lot Project and work adjacent to the Aspen Memorial Garden.

The Aspen Memorial Garden is a valued part of our campus and community. We recognize that many students, staff, families, and community members have contributed time, effort, and care to maintaining the garden over the years, and we deeply appreciate that commitment.

The district would also like to acknowledge that we could have done a better job communicating our plans for preserving the garden before construction activities began. We apologize to those who were concerned or surprised by the work occurring near the memorial garden. While preservation of the garden was incorporated into the project design from the outset, we understand that sharing those plans more broadly in advance would have helped alleviate concerns and provided greater clarity regarding the intent of the work.

From the beginning of the project, the district, and its design team incorporated measures into the construction documents to preserve and protect the memorial garden while accommodating necessary improvements to vehicle parking and circulation.

As part of the approved project design, a retaining wall is being constructed alongside the garden to stabilize the site and allow the new driveway to pass safely by the memorial garden. The plans also included the temporary removal of a portion of the existing fence and gate to complete this work.

When construction crews encountered vines intertwined with the fence scheduled for removal, they paused work and requested guidance from the district before proceeding. The district directed the contractor to preserve the grape plant while removing only the vine growth necessary to safely remove the fence. The grape plant itself was preserved and remains in place for future growth.

Additionally, the fence posts and gate were carefully removed rather than demolished. The gate was preserved for reinstallation, and temporary fencing was installed to help protect the garden from deer while construction is underway.

The district would also like to recognize Tiger Construction for their professionalism and care throughout this project. Their team worked collaboratively with District staff to protect the memorial garden during construction activities. The temporary fencing installed to safeguard the garden was erected by Tiger Construction’s on-site supervisor as an additional measure to protect the memorial garden and its plantings.

We understand that community members care deeply about the Aspen Memorial Garden, and the district shares that commitment. Our objective has always been to preserve and protect the garden while making necessary campus improvements that enhance parking and accessibility for students, staff, and visitors.

As the construction activities adjacent to the garden are complete, the fence and gate will be restored as part of the project. The retaining wall and related improvements are intended to help ensure the long-term preservation of the memorial garden while allowing the parking lot and driveway improvements to be completed.

We appreciate the community’s patience, support, and continuing dedication to this special memorial space. The district remains committed to completing a project that improves campus access and functionality while preserving places that hold significant meaning for our school and community.