Schoolyard Inventory

The first part of the planning process is to take a close look at the schoolyard environment. Once you have evaluated the condition of the current schoolyard you will have a reality-based starting point from which to design improvements. Physical features, safety concerns and social factors will play an important role in determining what type of project you initiate. This section of the workbook includes an inventory checklist that will get you started in your analysis of the schoolyard.

How is the schoolyard situated within the neighborhood?

Our schools do not exist in a vacuum. They are located in neighborhoods. The surrounding neighborhood has an impact upon the educational atmosphere within the school community. This is particularly true in relation to the schoolyard. Before you even consider the schoolyard itself, take a look at what abuts school property. Maybe there is a park that schoolchildren could use. Maybe it has a tot lot. There might be a convenience store, across the street, where the druggies hang out. Maybe there is a bad street corner with a history of car accidents. Street lighting may be poor in one area but well lit in another. One street may be quiet and residential while another may be busy and commercial. Perhaps there's a vacant lot, owned by the city, that could be transformed into a green space or community garden.

Spend some time walking around the neighborhood. Do it at different times during the day. Talk to people who live across the street from the schoolyard. Some of them may have kids who attend your school. Don't forget that the neighborhood has a stake in seeing the schoolyard improve. Some trees, shrubs, or flowers, or a brightly painted mural will add some life to what may now be a dull open space.

What is the physical condition of the schoolyard?

One reason for the high degree of interest in fixing up public schoolyards is the fact that so many of them are in such bad shape. A long term budget squeeze has taken its toll. Broken down play equipment, vast amounts of litter, obscene graffitti, dying trees, and vandalized fences are just a few common sights. Many schoolyards have been completely paved over in an effort to reduce maintenance costs. Would a homeowner pave over his lawn so he wouldn't have to mow it? Do our children deserve less? In order to transform these blighted areas into positive and educational environments we must take stock of what we have to work with.

Walk around the schoolyard. Get an sense of size and the lay of the land. How might the water run off after a rain (come back after a rain and find out!)? Are the surfaces asphalt? Dirt? Are there any trees or plantings and what is their condition? Is there lots of broken glass, torn fencing, or evidence of illegal dumping? Is there parking in the schoolyard? If so, is it done in an organized or random fashion? Ask yourself, what are the positives and negatives? Use our checklist as a guide.

What are the current uses of the schoolyard?

Despite the degraded physical conditions that prevail at many of our schoolyards, there are still many school (and non-school) activities that take place there. Before designing a revitalized space it's important to see how it will integrate into, or impact, current usage patterns.

Where do the students take recess? Gym period? Look for bare spots in grassy areas to establish foot traffic patterns. Are there afterschool sports activities? Do neighborhood kids or adults use the ballfield or basketball courts? Is there play equipment? Handicapped access? Talk to the gym teacher to see if there are seasonal shifts in playground usage? Is there evidence of vandalism?Are there lockable gates?

It is important to determine if your project will overlap with someone elses use of the same space. It is wise to bring them into the planning process so that everyone will have input and benefit from the improved open space. Again, use our checklist to get started.

What is the potential of the schoolyard?

As you start to envision your greening project it will be helpful to know what features of the schoolyard might lend themselves to your plan. Is there any exposed earth, for plantings, or is the schoolyard paved? If it's paved you might want to consider planters or raised beds. If there's soil, what type is it? Does the schoolyard get much sun? How could a currently active play area be enhanced? Are there entrances or walkways that would be enhanced by tree, shrub, or flower plantings? Is there an area that just needs a good cleaning? Is there a reliable watering source?

In addition to the physical characteristics of the schoolyard there may be human potential to discover. Maybe the softball team that uses the field after school would be willing to volunteer their labor on a Saturday. Is there a science teacher that would like a green space in which to teach classes about the natural world? The bus driver may do carpentry as a hobby. The old folks' home across the street may be willing to water your plantings in the summertime. Hang out around the schoolyard. Get a feel for the place. Carry a notepad and jot down ideas. You don't know the possibilities unless you look for them.