Green Schoolyards for Healthy Communities

What is a green schoolyard?

We envision green schoolyards as nature-filled outdoor spaces that offer students, teachers, parents and community members places to play, learn, explore and grow. Designed with and for the school community, these shared outdoor spaces can also be enjoyed by kids, families and neighbors during out-of-school time.

Green schoolyards can be designed to meet your community’s needs. They can include outdoor classrooms, native gardens, stormwater capture, traditional playground equipment, nature play areas, vegetable gardens, trails, trees, water features, and more.

MAKING NATURE ACCESS MORE EQUITABLE

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Longstanding systems of inequity have influenced the design and distribution of parks and green spaces. Greening schoolyards can be a powerful strategy for making sure that all kids have access to the benefits of nature.

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BENEFITS OF GREEN SCHOOLYARDS

Benefits of Green Schoolyards Wheel

Green schoolyards provide many proven benefits for kids, from enhancing academic achievement to promoting health and wellness.

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GREEN SCHOOLYARD DESIGN FEATURES

School districts can turn school grounds into living ecosystems, filled with trees and vegetation that host insects and birds; give children “loose parts” for play; and transform stormwater into engaging features for rigorous activity and learning. Explore this gallery for inspiration and design ideas.

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Take Action!

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Hundreds of partners have pledged their support for a national Green Schoolyards Action Agenda, designed to help all U.S. communities offer green schoolyards by 2050. Download the agenda and get involved by signing on today!

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Make the case for green schoolyards with confidence. Our Green Schoolyards Advocacy Toolkit provides everything you need to start transforming schoolyards in your community. Explore toolkit.

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We have a team of experts who can help your community launch a green schoolyards program. Explore our Toolkit to Get Started!

ADVISORS

Our Green Schoolyards for Healthy Communities work is guided by two multidisciplinary
advisory groups, supporting resource development and establishing metrics.

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DONATE TODAY TO BECOME A MEMBER

Help us make sure that all children live, learn and grow with nature in their daily lives.

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