Along the banks of the Sprague and Williamson rivers lies the small community of Chiloquin, Oregon, which serves as the capital of the Klamath Nation. Despite a painful history of dispossession and treaty termination, members of the Klamath Tribes in Oregon maintain a strong connection to the land. Today, over half of Chiloquin residents identify as Native American.

Residents of Chiloquin have a strong sense of community, but few public places to come together. And until recently, Chiloquin Elementary’s schoolyard, which serves over 180 students who all qualify for free lunch, stood largely vacant with few opportunities for the adventurous, imaginative, and dynamic play of childhood.

Trust for Public Land worked closely with partners and the Chiloquin community to develop and implement their vision for a vibrant, green, and welcoming schoolyard. Involvement from students and the community was integral to the design for the new space, which includes walking paths, a covered basketball court, an outdoor classroom, artwork and restored meadow. The large, covered court also serves as a shaded pavilion for community gatherings and events.

Today, the revitalized schoolyard is open to the community after school and on the weekends. It serves both as the dynamic playground children envisioned and as a gathering place for the community. And as the inaugural schoolyard in TPL’s Oregon Rural Community Schoolyard Program, Chiloquin Elementary School is a symbol of transformation for other communities throughout the state.

Access to the outdoors is a fundamental human need, and all communities are stronger, healthier, and more connected when everyone is able to get outside and engage with nature. At Chiloquin, what started with students’ imagination has blossomed into a schoolyard that connects the entire community to the joys and benefits of the outdoors.

Read Designing a Safe, Green Schoolyard here.

Chiloquin Green Schoolyard Final Plan_1