More than 1,200 Loveland students in grades 5 through 8 now have a new place to learn outside.

The Loveland City School District cut the ribbon Aug. 20, on a new outdoor classroom shared by Loveland Intermediate School and Loveland Middle School on the Lebanon Road campus. The ceremony came just three days after the 2026-27 school year began.

The Loveland Schools Foundation, the nonprofit that has supported district projects since 2000, led the community-funded effort. The foundation donated $46,519 to the project, a gift the Loveland Board of Education unanimously approved May 19, according to board meeting minutes. Board president Rev. Jonathan Eilert, Christina Jeranek, Lynn Mangan, Katie Schuckman and Dr. Eric Schwetschenau all voted in favor.

It took one summer. Construction crews transformed a previously underutilized patch of the Lebanon Road campus into a usable instructional space. According to the Loveland Schools Foundation's project page, the timeline included infrastructure work such as irrigation and concrete in June and July, shade sail installation in July and August, and outdoor furniture and benefactor signage in August.

The district's official social media account recognized a student named Thomas as the project's top individual fundraiser during the public fundraising drive that ran from March through June.

Executive director Colette Ledford leads the Loveland Schools Foundation, which coordinated the fundraising and construction timeline. The foundation described the space as aligned with the district's Strategic Vision, saying it supports hands-on instruction and student well-being.

Local 12 first reported on the ribbon cutting, noting the classroom was built on a spot that "was not being used as well as it could have been."

The foundation's project page also lists a formal dedication ceremony for September 2026. Whether that event is separate from the Aug. 20 ribbon cutting has not been confirmed.

Families with questions about the outdoor classroom can reach the Loveland Schools Foundation at (513) 774-6228.