Landscaping at Fruitland Completes Traffic Improvement Project

The landscaping at Fruitland Elementary is in full bloom. As the weather improves, crews have been on site adding the final touches to the campus parking lot and traffic flow improvements funded by the 2024 Capital Levy. This phase marks the completion of the overall traffic improvement project and reflects careful planning not only for safety and efficiency, but also for long-term sustainability. 

Thoughtful Plant Selection 

The new plantings were intentionally selected to thrive in Washington’s climate, including dry summers and wet winters. Many of the plants are native to our region and are well suited for school environments. 

Some of the news plants you'll find onsite include: 

• Yarrow 
• Catmint 
• Alpine Mint Bush 
• Collingwood Ingram Rosemary 

One highlight is Western Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), which is listed in the native plant directory of the Washington Native Plant Society. 

Why These Plants? 

These selections were chosen for practical, long-term benefits: 

• Drought tolerance: Performs well in low-irrigation landscapes during summer months. 
• Long bloom period: Provides color throughout the summer. 
• Durable: Tolerates light foot traffic and compacted soils common near buildings and sidewalks. 
• Low maintenance: Requires minimal fertilizer and pruning. 
• Erosion control: Spreads in ways that help stabilize soil in landscaped areas. 
• Resilient: Handles heat, reflected light, and the everyday wear of a busy school campus. 

Landscaping is the final step in the traffic improvement project. These improvements reflect the district’s commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and providing safe, functional learning environments. Thank you to our community and voters for making these safety-focused upgrades possible through the 2024 Capital Levy.  

To learn more about districtwide 2024 Capital Levy improvements, visit www.puyallupsd.org/levy.