Students from the Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) are playing a crucial role in the redesign of a 150-acre shoreline site into a sustainable eco-park in Ventnor. This exciting project, focusing on ecological health, habitat preservation, and community engagement through sustainable design practices, includes native plantings and accessible spaces for passive recreation. The students, mostly from grades 10, 11 and 12, have contributed to site design, sculpture concepts, and environmental research, gaining valuable hands-on experience in real-world applications of sustainable design. This initiative was spearheaded by Drew Holmes, ACIT’s Computer-Aided Drafting and Design teacher, who saw the potential for students to engage in this transformative project.
Principal Joe Potkay shared his pride in the students’ accomplishments, saying, “The students working on the Ventnor Eco Park Project have demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication. Their ability to apply classroom learning to a real-world environmental challenge speaks to their commitment to sustainable design and community-driven solutions.”
“We gave the ACIT students the same criteria as seasoned professionals and access to county assets, including GIS mapping. Using tools like AutoCAD, laser cutters, and 3D printers, they delivered presentations that could rival those of professionals,” said Tim Kriebel, Mayor/Commissioner of Public Safety for Ventnor City. ” By the end of their design workshop, industry experts were inviting students to their offices. That’s exactly the kind of engagement that sets ACIT apart—solving real-world problems with real-world skills.”
The Eco Park project began with key experts sharing insights.
- Mayor Tim Krieble of Ventnor provided an historical overview and vision for the park.
- Dr. Robert Wagner, Athletic Director/Physical Education and Health Supervisor at ACIT, reflected on growing up by the back bay and how the site’s past as a landfill led to its nickname, “Glass Beach.”
- Dr. Sarah Taylor, Atlantic County’s Geographic Information Systems Specialist, supplied essential site data, including contour maps and property lines.
- Robert Preston, a retired Atlantic City landscape architect, emphasized integrating diversity, inclusion, education, and community engagement while preserving natural habitats and social spaces.
- Stockton University professors Haria Priti and Dana Grass guided ACIT students in exploring best practices for inclusive design.
ACIT students collaborated on the Eco Park project, creating a magazine covering the site’s history, vegetation, wildlife, aerial imagery, and demographics. They developed a topography map model, designed parking layouts and entranceways, and planned sculpture placements and outdoor classrooms. CAD and carpentry students worked on ADA desk concepts, while Graphic Arts and CADD students designed presentation boards showcasing the park’s flora and fauna, along with the Entrance Banner.
To further develop their designs, students participated in a design charrette at the American Society of Landscape Architects (NJASLA) Conference on January 27 at Harrah’s Conference Center in Atlantic City, where they collaborated with industry professionals, explored diverse perspectives, and received valuable feedback. They later presented their final projects at Ventnor City Hall before Mayor Krieble and the City Council, showcasing their vision for the future of Eco Park.
ACIT’s Computer-Aided Drafting and Design teacher, Yazmin Gould, highlighted the impact of this experience, stating, “The NJASLA Conference allowed our students to showcase their skills and creativity to industry professionals, reinforcing the value of applying classroom knowledge to environmental challenges.”
Students Rileigh Barbetto, Vyoma Parekh, Jenifer Ferreras, and Phineas Roth shared how the conference influenced their development as designers.
Barbetto remarked, “It was amazing to see our ideas taken seriously by professionals. Knowing our designs could have a real impact made the project more meaningful.”
Parekh added, “Presenting our work at the conference boosted my confidence. The feedback reinforced the importance of community-driven design.”
Ferreras reflected, “Hands-on experience with site planning and environmental research made me consider careers in landscape architecture and urban design.”
Roth concluded, “This project showed how design can solve real-world problems. I loved combining creativity with sustainability.”
This project is just one example of how ACIT’s unique career programs and hands-on teaching approach equip students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in real-world applications. By integrating academic learning with professional practice, ACIT helps students build a strong foundation for their future careers.
About Atlantic County Institute of Technology
For over four decades, the Atlantic County Institute of Technology has been preparing students with the academic and technical skills needed to successfully enter the world of work or continue their education at the college level. ACIT is the most comprehensive technical education facility in Atlantic County, and it is the school of choice for a diverse student body, offering 19 career and technical education programs from which to choose. ACIT’s motto “Pursue What You Love,” encourages students to actively engage in their chosen academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, including various after-school clubs and athletic programs. In addition, 100’s of Atlantic County adult learners are enrolled in the Adult Education Program. Adult learners in the evening school participate in both full- and part-time technical programs.
For more information about ACIT, please visit www.acitech.org.
