Oregon Rural Community Schoolyards

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 the tribe’s history of termination and restoration, members of the Klamath Tribe hold strong ties to the region’s land. Today, over half of Chiloquin residents identify as Native American.

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 a restored meadow. The large, covered court also serves as a shaded pavilion for community gatherings and events.

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Established in 1910 below the Cascade Mountains, enchanting landscapes hug the city of Madras in every direction. Today, over 7,000 Oregonians call Madras home, and visitors and residents alike enjoy access to the beautiful high deserts and impressive network of walking and biking trails throughout the area. But within town, Trust for Public Land is dedicated to working with community members to build close-to-home green spaces that reflect their local vibrancy.

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Located along the Snake River at the far eastern border of Oregon, the city of Ontario has been given the title “where Oregon begins.” Beautiful deserts, river canyons, and mountain ranges greet western travelers to this growing community, which has relied on farming and manufacturing for decades. While this community has a rich network of trails to enjoy, other recreational opportunities don’t address the increasing needs of residents to connect to the outdoors. And the schoolyard at Alameda Elementary is no exception.

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