By City Times staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A Halloween event is set to raise needed funds for a group of Wisconsin Rapids educators and parents working to create an outdoor learning area that will provide a venue for learning in a natural environment.

The Mead Outdoor Learning Center will replace the asphalt area behind Mead Elementary Charter School. The space is planned to include a music and movement area, gathering and teaching area, garden area, climbing area, building area, nature art area, and an open grass area, along with various plantings, trees, and pathways.

Because the project will cost $97,000, multiple fundraisers have been organized to raise the needed funds.

On Oct. 31, organizers will host Sweet vs. Heat vs. Meat – a friendly competition between local restaurants to raise funds for the project. Participating restaurants, including: Dairy Queen – Sweet, Taco Johns – Heat, and Burger King – Meat, will donate proceeds from allotted times that day to go toward the Learning Center. While start and stop times vary, all three restaurants will participate from 5-8 p.m.

For more information on the fundraiser or the Learning Center, visit www.facebook.com/meadelementarycharterschool.