Page 133 - School Garden Development Guide - 4th Edition

Environmental Design and Safety Practices
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is
a proactive approach using design strategies to ensure safety is
maintained as new environmental spaces are created.

Here are some practices to keep in mind when choosing spaces to
create your school garden:
1. A clear line of sight from three feet to seven feet above the
ground surface should be maintained within the garden area.
2. Be sure the plant or trees will not drop items (like coconuts
or pine needles) onto student occupied areas (to include
playgrounds.)
3. Be sure that the garden will not obstruct visibility by a road or
driveway intersection.
4. In general, it should be the goal to plant trees and large shrubs
so that their full-growth limbs do not touch or overhang
District buildings. This may require separation distances in
excess of those provided previously for palm trees and other
trees.

Resource
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
Crime-Prevention-through-Environmental-Design.pdf

Rock Gardens
1. The Building Code Services Department prohibits the use of
stones or gravel on school campuses. Small rocks can become
projectiles in wind storms and can cause harm to others and
to buildings. This is a Department of Education Requirement
(Chapter 5-(2)(a)1. SREF 2014).
2. Additionally, any change in elevation exceeding six inches tall
must be protected with a 12 inch high barrier. Slopes greater
than 18 inches tall must be protected with a 42 inch tall guard
rail. (Building Code requirement, ref. 453.10.2.4 FBC-B 2014).
We recommend limiting the height of rock gardens to 17
inches above adjacent ground. Keep them low and do not
allow students to climb on or play with the rocks.

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