Kenly Elementary School Beautification Project
Gopher Resource Volunteers Help Beautify Kenly Elementary
Gopher Resource is committed to protecting the people and communities in which we live and work. Many times, that commitment inspires us to go out into our community and get involved with hands-on projects that help foster environmental stewardship and education in others.
One example is our ongoing beautification partnership with Kenly Elementary School. This multi-year initiative began in 2023, when Gopher Resource volunteers teamed up with the school to refresh its outdoor spaces by repairing wooden structures, spreading mulch, and planting flowers.
The project is part of Gopher Resource’s ongoing involvement for over a decade in Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) initiatives. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide environmental education and volunteer opportunities that develop individual responsibilities and environmental stewardship.
The 2023 Kenly Elementary School Beautification Project included cleanup and renewal of outdoor spaces at the school, including trimming and pruning existing shrubs, palms and plants as well as planting 180 new low-maintenance, low-water plants. Volunteers also added 50 bags of new mulch to the entrance walkway, main courtyard and picnic area. (Before: left and After: right)
In addition to needing a complete refresh of the landscaping around the building, many of the school’s picnic tables had fallen into disrepair. Volunteers worked to refurbish picnic tables that could be salvaged, and Gopher Resource provided two new picnic tables and five table umbrellas for students and staff to enjoy.
The project was a rewarding experience for Gopher Resource employees and the school community is thrilled by how beautiful and welcoming the school grounds look with the new landscaping.
In April 2024, our team returned to replace worn wood boards and revitalize the picnic benches, creating a more comfortable and inviting outdoor area for students and staff.
Most recently, in April 2025, we added fresh mulch and planted new greenery to keep the grounds vibrant and well-maintained.
Through continued volunteer efforts, we’re proud to support Kenly Elementary with improvements that enrich the student experience and reflect our commitment to the community.