Monterey Outdoor Classroom Projects Comes To A Completion

Construction on an outdoor classroom at the Monterey Depot Museum has been completed.

Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said the platform that runs along the city’s caboose and dining car provides easier access as well as learning opportunities.

“It’s a really nice addition,” Cleary said. “It gives you a neat perspective of the train cars , because you’re at an elevated position from this platform. We’re hoping some of our Elementary School classes and even the high school will be interested in maybe conducting some outdoor class time.”

Cleary said along with the new platform, the Depot Historical Society plans to remodel the dining car in the future. Cleary said the idea would be to rent out the space for birthday parties and keep the area open otherwise to the public.

Cleary said the outdoor additions will hopefully bring more visitors to the Depot while also providing residents new amenities. Construction on the deck system began this summer. The Board of Aldermen approved an $84,000 bid for the project. The cost is paid through American Rescue Plan money.