17 Sep Courtyard Makeover at Deep Creek Middle School
This summer, our team had the privilege of participating in an awesome project that truly exemplifies the power of community collaboration. When Deep Creek Middle School teacher Dory Suttmiller reached out to the Hampton Roads Show for help revitalizing her school’s courtyard, we knew this was a project we wanted to be a part of. With the invaluable input from HRS viewers who voted on design choices, we embarked on a journey to transform this space into something truly special.
A Space for Students to Thrive
The primary goal of this courtyard makeover was to create an inviting outdoor space where students could step away from the classroom, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy some much-needed downtime. We envisioned a place that would not only be functional but also inspire creativity and connection among students.
To achieve this, we integrated organic seating throughout the courtyard—what we like to call seating walls and benches—designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. These elements are built right into the space, offering both form and function. To provide comfort during sunny days, we installed a shade sail that not only looks great but will also keep students cool. Additionally, we planted trees that will continue to grow and enhance the natural beauty of the courtyard over time.
A Community Effort
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from various businesses. Mercury Mulch generously provided the stone hauling, ensuring we had the materials needed to create the space. Shawn Cameron Transport donated the trucking to get the materials to the site. Bennett’s Creek, a local nursery, gave us the trees. The shade structures came from Mighty Covers, adding a vital element of comfort to the courtyard. And perhaps one of the most significant contributions came from Belgard through their Paves the Good Program, supplying the stone and bench materials that are the heart of this project. If you’re considering adding pavers to your outdoor space, Belgard is a name you can trust—they truly made this transformation possible.
Of course, our team at Easton Outdoors was more than happy to donate our time and expertise to bring this vision to life. We love giving back to the community and creating spaces that people can enjoy for years to come.
When we first stepped into the courtyard at Deep Creek, we were met with broken benches, overgrown grass, and a space that desperately needed attention. Our mission was not just to fix what was broken, but to lay the groundwork for something that the students and teachers could take pride in and continue to develop. This courtyard isn’t just a finished project—it’s a starting point for the school community to make their own.
The teachers at Deep Creek Middle School are passionate about getting students outside, away from their desks and screens, to enjoy the benefits of nature. We’re excited to see how this space will be used throughout the school year, and we can’t wait to hear stories of how it becomes a cherished part of the school’s daily life.
This courtyard makeover was a true community effort, and we’re proud to have been a part of it. We hope that the students and teachers at Deep Creek Middle School enjoy their new outdoor space as much as we enjoyed creating it. Here’s to many years of fresh air, outdoor learning, and connection!