A crew of sixty goats went to work "eating" ivy and blackberry bushes last week at Gatewood Elementary to give the school's playground renovation project an assist.

The goats spent starting feeding themselves on Friday at Gatewood, munching their way through a hillside too steep for Seattle School District maintenance staff or machines.

Clearing the overgrowth is a part of a playground renovation project called "Operation Imagination," and was started three years ago by a Gatewood's Parent Teacher Association.

Parent Lori Lieske said the goats made a big difference just in one day. They were scheduled to eat for four days.

Lieske was there when the goats arrived. They appeared eager to start their ivy and blackberry meals. "They were so excited. They were ready to go," she said.

"We will see how successful it works on the blackberries and ivy," said the district's media relations' staff member David Tucker.

Gatewood focuses on environmental education, stewardship and science.

The district did not to use pesticides on the overgrowth. "It's a very environmentally oriented school. It is geared to environmental awareness. It's a strong educational component," said Tucker.

"Gatewood is a school that actively teaches environmental stewardship and learning by doing. As an educational community that embraces a holistic approach to learning and service we are excited about the positive impact this entire project has on children and helping them become active stewards for our environment," said principal Rhonda Clayton.

With the goats tummies filled with thorny blackberries, school volunteers removed roots, planted trees and laid down burlap from Starbucks and spread mulch.

Since Operation Imagination began, parents, students and community volunteers have looked at ideas to upgrade the playground and its equipment.

They are considering a multi-generational learning garden, student art on the entryways, a secondary play structure for older students, a new playfield and the additional of new trees.

"The goal of the overall program is to make it attractive to the community and be user friendly," Clayton said.

The Parent Teacher Association received a city of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Small and Simple Grant Program $90,000 matching grant.

Volunteers pledging time and labor are providing most of the matching funds.