Town announces completion of the Belmonte STEAM Academy courtyard project

(Editor’s Note: Saugus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s Office issued the following press release this week.)

Town Manager Scott Crabtree is pleased to announce the redesign of the Belmonte STEAM Academy courtyard that addresses longstanding flooding issues and makes the school more welcoming for students, families and staff.

The Belmonte STEAM Academy courtyard project beautifies the entrance to the school that serves Saugus students in grades 1-5.

Features of the revamped Belmonte STEAM Academy front courtyard include:

• Redesign of the existing courtyard with a rectangular paved walkway and the installation of new benches
• Development of a stormwater management system to mitigate flooding and standing water in the vicinity
• Landscape improvements such as the planting of daffodils and day lilies near the Belmonte STEAM Academy sign

“This is a tremendous project that will really benefit families dropping off and picking up students at the Belmonte STEAM Academy,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “Our engineers say this new project will significantly improve the drainage in front.”

In the past, the Belmonte STEAM Academy walkway was sometimes inundated with stormwater, which could create safety concerns with flooding or slippery/icy conditions. The town brought in an engineering firm and landscape architect to regrade the courtyard to alleviate flooding in the area.

“This is a huge upgrade from what we had,” said Saugus Superintendent of Schools Michael Hashem. “I think families will be very pleased with the improved drainage and enjoy having a nice area to sit by the school entrance.”

The Town of Saugus has invested millions of dollars in recent years to build a new grades 6-12 Saugus Middle/High School complex and to upgrade the Belmonte STEAM Academy and Veterans School Early Learning Center.

Town Manager Crabtree expressed a commitment to strengthen the town’s education system, thanking residents and elected officials for their support of the Saugus Public Schools and embracing projects such as the Belmonte STEAM Academy courtyard redesign.

“It’s important to prioritize education and the town will continue to collaborate with the schools to make Saugus a better place for students to learn and for families to raise their children,” Town Manager Crabtree said.

Go to https://vimeo.com/1002880654 to see a video in which Town Manager Crabtree and Superintendent Hashem highlight the Belmonte STEAM Academy courtyard project.