New York City Playgrounds
Credit: Yola Monakhov
New York City's public elementary schools serve 628,000 students, but fewer than half have usable playgrounds—many are little more than barren asphalt lots. The Trust for Public Land is partnering with the City of New York and Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC 2030 to transform these neglected spaces into vibrant playgrounds and community parks, and help ensure that every child in the city has a safe outdoor play space within a ten minute walk.
Participatory design is the program's cornerstone. We involve students, school staff, and community members in the design of the new playgrounds. For 28 of these sites, we will integrate the design process with classroom learning and after school programs and manage the construction process. An important part of the design process is planning for the use and care of the new playgrounds. We work with community partners to run programs at the playgrounds and to keep them open to the public after school and on weekends. These groups are integral to the success of the playgrounds, keeping them active and safe year-round and allowing the neighborhood to fully utilize them.
Our work at all 151 sites will produce playgrounds that transform the lives of both the children and adults in the community.
3:14
17 slides