Space to Grow: Greening Chicago Schoolyards
Schoolyard renewals create community resources that benefit students and the environment
Space to Grow: Greening Chicago Schoolyards brings green space to schools in dense urban areas. The revived spaces not only bring students a safe recreation area, but also offer gardens that create teaching opportunities. Additionally, Space to Grow projects prevent frequent site flooding and divert rainwater away from sewers and back into the ground.
To date, Legat and partner Conservation Design Forum have provided design services for Space to Grow projects at Grissom Elementary School, Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy, Orozco Academy, and Schmid Elementary School.
The ongoing program is a collaboration between Healthy Schools Campaign, Openlands, Chicago Public Schools, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and the Chicago Department of Water Management.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rubber running track
- Outdoor classroom with seating
- Outdoor gardens
- Updated playground equipment
Photos courtesy Conservation Design Forum.
