AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District celebrated the opening of its new Outdoor Wonder & Learning, or OWL, Center Friday at the former campus of Metz Elementary School in east Austin.
The center is a nature-based outdoor learning environment “designed to provide students with hands-on, experiential opportunities in the outdoors,” according to AISD.
AISD said in a press release that the center reflects the district’s “strong commitment to integrating nature into every part of the educational experience — from active play and garden habitats to nature trails and quiet reflection spaces.”
(KXAN Photo/Aidan Boyd)
(KXAN Photo/Aidan Boyd)
The release said research shows that students who play and learn outdoors are healthier, happier and more engaged academically.
The OWL Center was established through a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Metz Elementary was constructed in 1993 and closed after the 2019-2020 school year. Since its closure, the 61,905-square-foot school facility has continued to be home to several AISD departments and programs.
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