Courtyard garden at Carmel Catholic High School a sanctuary of learning and well

Teresa Bartels at the ribbon cutting and blessing for the Chuck and Teresa Bartels Family Garden at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein. The new space is dedicated to student wellness, outdoor learning and community connection. Mick Zawislak/mzawislak@dailyherald.com

A mostly empty and underutilized courtyard at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein has been transformed into a serene oasis where students can reflect and learn.

Three huge honey locust and an old Norway spruce are the only holdovers in the 29,000-square-foot space — the largest courtyard on campus.

A ribbon cutting and blessing was held Friday for the Chuck and Teresa Bartels Family Garden at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein. The 29,000-square-foot courtyard area will serve as an outdoor education and wel