Troy University representatives joined City of Troy officials to unveil a new outdoor classroom at Troy Elementary School on Tuesday.

The University’s Office of Civic Engagement and TROY student volunteers joined forces with Troy Elementary students to build the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Outdoor Classroom, thanks to a grant from Youth Service America.

The outdoor space consists of several benches, a podium and wooden signs adorned with quotes from King.

“We had about 12 volunteers, and my office of about six students, and it took about eight weeks to get this completed,” said Dr. Avery Livingston Stewart, coordinator of civic engagement at TROY. “I think it’s a great symbol of the partnership between Troy Elementary and Troy University. To have a physical manifestation of our partnership, this is a real representation of public service, partnership and community work.”

Troy Mayor Jason Reeves and Troy Elementary Principal Teresa Sims also spoke at the unveiling, describing the value of exposing students to the outdoors while they learn.

“This is going to be a wonderful experience,” Reeves said.

A gallery from the unveiling can be found below.