Mt. Si students build adaptive planters for local patients

The project was done in conjunction with SVH’s Recreational Therapy team.

By Ana Wright of Snoqualmie Valley Health • May 28, 2025 7:30 am

Students at Mt. Si High School recently completed a months-long project to build custom adaptive planters for Snoqualmie Valley Health (SVH), blending classroom learning with meaningful community impact.

The project, which spanned nearly the entire school year, was led by woodshop teacher Gregg Meyers and student leader Zane. Together with their classmates, they worked closely with SVH’s Recreational Therapy team to design and construct raised garden beds that are wheelchair- and walker-accessible.

Crafted from cedar and complete with thoughtful details like built-in drainage, the planters were built with ADA accessibility in mind. Throughout the process, students gained hands-on experience in woodworking, engineering and accessibility standards — offering a unique opportunity to learn about the real-world application of ADA compliance.

The raised beds will be used as part of the hospital’s Recreational Therapy program, giving patients the chance to reconnect with nature and engage in gardening as part of their rehabilitation goals.

“We’re so grateful to Zane, Mr. Meyers and the Mt. Si High School woodshop students,” said Sandra Morrow, Recreational Therapist at Snoqualmie Valley Health. “For the past year, they’ve worked with SVH’s Recreational Therapy team to design our accessible raised garden. Our new adaptive garden will allow our patients to reconnect with nature and the joy of gardening while working toward their rehabilitation goals. This is a powerful example of Recreational Therapy in action, as well as the patient-centered, innovative treatment we offer at Snoqualmie Valley Health.”

SVH expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to support youth development and collaborate with local schools on projects that have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the community.

These adaptive planters are expected to benefit patients for years to come — offering more than just soil and seeds, but a place to grow, heal and thrive.