"Encouraging a new generation of children to have a heart for the environment."
"Cultivating caretakes of the envirionment."
Chicago Wilderness, Fall 2005Ponds for Kids FAQ's
WHAT IS PONDS FOR KIDS?
The Ponds for Kids program is designed to give children and young adults a working appreciation for nature and ecology. Additionally, other areas like art, creative writing and poetry can also be incorporated by respective teachers. The opportunities are many and the ideas are limitless on how a school can incorporate the Ponds for Kids program into their curriculum.
WHAT WILL THE SCHOOL BE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR?
The school will be responsible to raise the funds for the materials of the pond.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST FOR MATERIALS TO DO A PONDS FOR KIDS?
This cost is approximately between $2,000 - $3,000. Rock cost in your area can directly affect this cost.
This fee includes...
- Rock and Gravel
- Liner & Underlayment
- Aquascape Designs Filtration System
- Aquascape Designs high efficiency submersible pump
- Piping and plumbing
ARE WE GUARANTEED A CONTRACTOR TO INSTALL OUR POND FOR FREE?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that a qualified installer will be available in your area to donate his services for free. It is our intention to do our best to create a partnership between a contractor and your school.
IF A PFK NETWORK INSTALLER IS AVAILABLE IN MY AREA, WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
The installer will work with the school on the installation of the pond and on possible landscaping options as well. Ponds for Kids will work with the contractor to develop specific installation instructions that will work best for the students and teachers involved in the project.
HOW MUCH AREA WILL THE POND REQUIRE?
Ponds for Kids Ponds are approximately 11' x 16' in diameter. It is not recommended to go much larger since it would be difficult to accomplish in one day.
The pond (including the waterfall) will require an area of approximately 20'x30' once all the plants are added to the mix.
HOW MUCH MAINTENANCE DOES A POND REQUIRE?
Once installed, the time required to maintain the pond will be approximately five to ten minutes per week. It will basically involve dumping the leaves and/or cleaning algae out of the skimmer basket. The primary goal of having a beautiful, crystal clear pond/learning lab is achieved by making sure the aquatic circle of life remains in balance.
Under such conditions, Mother Nature does 99% of the maintenance work for you... a lesson that can be taught and learned in a very hands-on fashion.
Yearly, it is also suggested that a pond be drained down and cleaned (especially if it was turned off for winter). This process is not mandatory each year, but dependent on seasonal effects, debris in pond and fish load. The cost for this service differs (ask your contractor) and can also easily be completed your pond team.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRICAL COST FOR RUNNING THE PUMPS EACH MONTH?
The pumps are recommended to run 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The electrical cost for running a high efficiency pumps is approximately $20/month
HOW LONG WILL THE POND TAKE TO BUILD?
It is suggested that the pond will take 1 day to build. (This may vary and your contractor should be able to give you a more exact estimate once you meet) You will need at least one eight hour day for the staff and students who get to participate by providing the hands-on elbow grease for the project. In the past, we've found that the kids not only love the novelty of working together outdoors, but the also take an owner's pride in knowing it was their own sweat equity that brought the pond to life.
WHAT ABOUT LIABILITY?
The deepest point in the pond will be 24 inches, so liability is not a major issue.
However there are certain criteria to be considered when choosing the placement of the pond. For example the location where students meet their buses would be a high traffic area and therefore not a good location for the pond. Liability will have to be discussed with the principal or the school board so that everyone's concerns can be addressed and alleviated.
HOW MANY STUDENTS CAN WORK ON THE PROJECT?
The possibilities are endless... suggestions for how to organize the students are included in the PFK Curriculum Guide along with what jobs are appropriate for each grade level.
IS THIS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR MEDIA COVERAGE?
Absolutely! A sample press release will be included in the PFK Curriculum Guide and it's a story everyone loves to cover!
WHAT ABOUT PARENTAL CONSENT?
Parents must give their permission for students to participate in a project of this type. They must also give consent for pictures of the students while working on the pond to be published if this possibility occurs. The contractors will most likely want to send out a press release about the project which will include pictures of the students.
These students will need permission to have their pictures published.
A parental consent form is included in the packet we send once we receive your application for the program.
