Three Creeks School is a new addition to the neighborhood located in the fast-growing Candelas area. As such, it has been designed specific to the site and the Candelas neighborhood. The design of the site draws inspiration from the three creeks within close proximity (Clear Creek, Coal Creek and Boulder Creek) to create three distinct experiential learning trails, each with a historical or ecological theme relating to the specific creek. All three ‘trails’ lead students from the building breakout spaces on an educational journey as they meander to the playground areas. The Boulder Creek trail is located to the north, and is themed with recreational opportunities and features; the Coal Creek trail, located in the  center, places an emphasis on the flora and fauna found in the watershed; and the Clear Creek trail to the south offers an outdoor learning area with mining tracks, “gold-coin” concrete circular seating, and an outdoor chalkboard.

The site design included master planning for a 25-acre site to determine the location for the new PK-8 school, athletic fields, parking, play areas and community connections. The entire site is anticipated to have a future school and associated fields and site features. The PK-8 site amenities include parking, parent and bus drop-off, play apparatus areas, hard court areas, play fields, and site circulation.

The low-water and xeric planting palette blends with the Candelas neighborhood features, and complements the architectural character of the new school. Thoughtful consideration went into the design of the individual outdoor learning and play area spaces to ensure comfortable separation and integration of the different student age groups.

Services performed for Three Creeks School included a site master plan, the City of Arvada entitlement process, and schematic design through construction administration.

To learn more about the architecture services Hord Coplan Macht provided for this project, click here.