Green Schoolyards
A small, but important part of the SFUSD Bond Program is the Green Schoolyard Program which provides funding to elementary schools to expand or create a “green schoolyard” at their school site. The definition of a green schoolyard will vary, depending on the needs and desires of the school community associated with each site. Unlike the bulk of the Bond Program, which operates under strictly defined requirements of the Lopez settlement and California’s Education Code, school communities are free to design a usable “green” space that meets their goals and objectives.
The design process is an important aspect of the Green Schoolyard Program. “School community” participation, including parents, students, teachers and administrators, is critical to the success of the design. During the design process, a school community not only will receive presentations that can help them think “outside the box” when it comes to schoolyard greening, they also participate in workshops designed to gather their insight and input regarding the design of their green schoolyard.
What is a Green Schoolyard?
Green schoolyards can include many different types of “green” elements. In many instances “greening” means tearing up some of the asphalt schoolyard and replacing it with trees or vegetation, ponds or gardens. Other schools may wish to create outdoor classrooms where teachers can demonstrate and explain natural, environmental processes as part of a science curriculum. In other cases the school community may identify the need for gathering spaces for children who are looking for alternatives to traditional play activities. These elements represent a small sample of what is possible in a green schoolyard.
Sustaining Green Schoolyard
Sustaining bond funded green schoolyards is a priority for the Bond’s Green Schoolyard Program. Therefore, ongoing maintenance is an important consideration as a school community develops plans for its green schoolyard. At many schools, parents and students contribute their time and labor toward building and maintaining certain elements of their green schoolyard. In addition, fundraising to supplement green schoolyard bond funds is encouraged.
Program Stats & Status
Prop A 2003 set aside $2.3 million dollars for greening at 26 school sites (including 10 middle and high schools). As of June, 2011 construction has been completed or was underway at all of those sites. Prop A 2006 has set aside $5 million for greening at 27 elementary school sites. As of June, 2011 construction was complete at three sites and underway at six additional sites.
Before & After Pictures
Green Schoolyard
Sherman Elementary
Marina District
Before Construction
Photography Credit: Clare Watsky
After Construction
Photography Credit: Sharon Danks, Bay Tree Design
During Construction
Photography Credit: Clare Watsky
After Construction
Photography Credit: Sharon Danks, Bay Tree Design
Green Schoolyard
Commodore Sloat Elementary School
Ingleside District
During Construction
After Construction
Green Schoolyard
West Portal Elementary
West Portal District
During Construction
After Construction
Banner Photography Credits: 1 – 3: SFUSD Bond 4: Clare Watsky