Rendition of the Salina Schools Green Schoolyard Plan
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 31, 2024 — State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) is proud to announce the successful allocation of $1.5 million in state funding for the development of a new outdoor recreational space at Salina Intermediate School in Dearborn. This significant investment will provide students and the surrounding community with a safe and engaging area for outdoor activities.
“Investing in spaces that support both learning and well-being is critical for our community,” Farhat said. “This new outdoor space will give students a place to play, stay active, and enjoy outdoor learning, while also serving as a shared resource for families and neighbors.”
The Salina Schools Green Schoolyard plan introduces a sound barrier wall, outdoor learning pavilions, gardens, and more — providing new outdoor features that will enrich Salina Schools’ learning resources while fostering a greener environment.
“The Green Schoolyard Project will provide our students with outdoor learning spaces and the opportunity to learn about the important role they play in maintaining a healthy environment. This project will also provide a green space that will benefit the entire Salina community,” Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko said.
Located next to a steel manufacturing facility, Salina Schools are part of a community with a longstanding history of industrial activity, which has contributed to ongoing air quality concerns. Since the early 1970s, air monitoring efforts by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy have aimed to track and mitigate air pollution in the area. These efforts, along with this investment, strive to create a healthier learning environment for Salina Schools, ensuring students have cleaner air and a better quality of life.
“The Salina Outdoor Green Spaces project will be a transformative addition for the community, enhancing air quality, reducing pollution, managing stormwater, and creating more opportunities for physical activity,” Salina Intermediate School Principal Eman Ali-Ahmed said. “Designed for year-round use by Salina students and open to the broader community after school, these spaces will promote wellness, equity, and a higher quality of life for local families. This project truly brings valuable resources and new vitality to the area.”
“This is a long-term investment in the future of our students and our neighborhoods,” Farhat continued. “It reflects our commitment to improving educational environments and enhancing public spaces for all residents.”
Rendition of the planned changes to the schoolyard at Salina Elementary in Dearborn.
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