When North Buncombe Elementary School PTO members first discussed how to honor Felix and Lucas Wisely, two brothers who died during Tropical Storm Helene, the idea came naturally: build something outdoors, full of life and discovery — just like them.
“We started talking about originally doing some sort of an outdoor classroom,” says Hillary Cole, a PTO member and landscape architect who is leading the project. “But we thought about what the boys exhibited, which was a joy for movement and a joy for all the things that kids love, fun, creativity, togetherness.”
Organizers chose to create a nature-themed play space that will include a large playground equipment piece featuring a memorial plaque by a local artist to honor the memories of Felix, a 9-year-old third grader, and Lucas, a 7-year-old second grader. The area will also include an educational pollinator garden and interactive art…