John H. Webster Schoolyard

Too many schools are stuck with schoolyards that are more pavement than play. With kids spending less than 10 minutes outside a day, these spaces should spark creativity—not turn into flooding hazards or heat traps. Enter Trust for Public Land and our community schoolyards. We’re ditching asphalt for awesome by transforming these playgrounds into vibrant, green spaces that fuel learning, play, and community connection.

Webster Elementary School is pre-K through 5th grade. It is located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia and has a half-acre paved schoolyard. The school prides itself on feeling like “home” for their students. They hope the new schoolyard they are creating with Trust for Public Land will help the students and community feel special. TPL worked with student designers in the fall of 2024 to design a schoolyard that will maximize learning, fun and safety. Their design creates a green oasis for calm relaxation. The student designers also learned all about urban water systems, and made sure that their new schoolyard will capture stormwater with green infrastructure. The parents and neighbors are excited about a new, safe, and green play space in their community.