Space to Grow

Space to Grow

Through the Space to Grow program, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, City of Chicago Department of Water Management, Healthy Schools Campaign, Openlands, and other partners work with many of Chicago’s low-income communities of color to transform underutilized schoolyards into inspired playgrounds for students and vital outdoor places for the whole neighborhood to get together and reconnect with nature. Transform schoolyards also serve as water infrastructure incorporating landscape features that capture a significant amount of rainfall, helping keep the city’s water resources clean and resulting in less neighborhood flooding. Schoolyard transformations prioritize physical activity, outdoor learning and community engagement.

As of 2019, Space to Grow has built 34 green schoolyards. The program aims to expand its reach in Chicago and serve as a model for green schoolyards across the nation, benefiting kids, neighborhoods, and the environment.