Mazama students construct fence for Healthy Klamath courtyard
June 18, 2026 / A courtyard at 500 Main Street is getting a fresh look — and a new entrance fence built by Mazama High School students — as Healthy Klamath prepares to open a public gathering space tonight during June's Third Thursday event.
Eric Basangan, community engagement coordinator for Healthy Klamath, reached out to Mazama High School this spring to ask if students would be willing to take on the project of redesigning and building the metal fence and gate.
"I like to engage students and the community," Basangan said. "These are the kinds of collaborative projects I like to build."
Three manufacturing students — Jacoby Nickeron, Ethan Wegat, and Jaidyn Cantamessa — took on the project in March under the direction of manufacturing teacher Mike Edwards and automotive teacher Steve Walker. They were tasked with replacing an older tall metal fence that bordered the courtyard, which didn't meet city code requirements and didn't fit the vision for the reimagined space.
The students started by removing the original fence and bringing it back to school, where they cut pieces from the existing materials and standardized their lengths. They then welded the pieces onto new top and bottom metal borders. The finished fence — measuring roughly 12 feet, on one section and about nine feet on the other — was installed Thursday morning (June 18).
“It will be cool to drive by and see it finished," Ethan said as he and Jaidyn worked to install the metal fence pieces. The gate for the courtyard entrance will be installed at a later date.
Jaidyn agreed: "Yeah, it'll be cool to say, 'I did that' in 20 years."
Mazama Vice Principal Sergio Cisneros was on hand to watch the installation. He said this type of partnership is a key component for student learning.
“When schools and communities work together, we create real opportunities for students that make a lasting, positive difference right here at home,” he said.
The courtyard transformation is a broader collaboration involving Healthy Klamath, the city of Klamath Falls, Underground Art, and Klamath County. John Bellen from Parks and Recreation has been involved in guiding plant selection and ensuring compliance with city standards. Shade plants have already been planted at the base of one wall, which also features a large mural-sized painting. Furniture will be added as well.
Basangan said the space is intended to be open to the public at certain times, functioning as a small community gathering area that anyone passing by is welcome to use.
