This summer, something special has been growing in the heart of the Laramie Plains Civic Center. Our long-overlooked courtyard is being transformed into a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible gathering space for all.
Thanks to a Community Enhancement Grant from the Laramie Rivers Conservation District—we’ve kicked off a project that’s about far more than plants and pavers. It’s about building connection, creating beauty, and reclaiming outdoor space for public use.
A [Work] Day to Remember
In June, we partnered with our friends at Common Outdoor Ground (COG) to host a courtyard cleanup and garden workday that brought over 40 volunteers to the space—COG’s largest single volunteer turnout to date. Together, we logged more than 250 hours of labor (valued at nearly $9,000!) to clean out he space, build beds, and haul endless loads of dirt. It was a day full of sweat, sun, and the kind of collaboration that makes Laramie shine.
Seeds of Support Grow
With LRCD’s early support, we’ve since raised $7,749 in additional funding from generous donors, Walmart’s Spark Good Local Grants, the Laramie Garden Club, City of Laramie Parks Department, and local businesses. We’ve also received an estimated $2,500 in in-kind donations of plants, materials, and tools.
That groundswell of support has allowed us to purchase and prepare to install :
180 square feet of interlocking rubber safety tiles to define a kid-friendly play area
Solar lighting and a security camera to improve evening safety
Fencing and signage to guide safe and respectful use of the space
Educational signs on sustainability, natural dyes, native plants, and pollinators—made possible with help from Jackrabbit Workshop, Feeding Laramie Valley, and Sunshine Coffee
Donor signage to highlight the community members and organizations who made this possible
Looking Ahead
While summer threw us a few delays (as it does), we’re back on track and excited to complete installation by early fall. To celebrate, we’re planning a Courtyard Kickoff event in early September—an afternoon of live music, refreshments, and community joy in our new courtyard. We’ll share details soon, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, check out our work day photos below and follow along on social media for updates.
We are so grateful to LRCD and everyone who has supported this project. Together, we’re turning this underused space into something beautiful, sustainable, and full of life.
