TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND COMMUNITY SCHOOLYARDS

ABOUT

The Public Space Studio provided design and engagement support for the Trust for Public Land’s Schoolyards program, which transforms existing schoolyards into safe, welcoming green spaces that serve both students and the surrounding community as public parks. Our team collaborated with Benteen and Fickett Elementary Schools to involve students directly in shaping the vision for their schoolyards. At Fickett Elementary, we also translated the students’ ideas into a concept design for the program.

WHY IT MATTERS

One of the goals of the schoolyards program is to increase access to nature for communities that lack nearby open spaces by redesigning local schoolyards and opening them to the public. The program supports equity through a carefully researched selection process that identifies neighborhoods without natural spaces within a 10-minute walk. Additionally, it fosters civic pride among students by allowing them to participate in the design of their own schoolyard, giving them the chance to see their designs come to life in the future.