John,

Picture this: instead of a hot, barren asphalt schoolyard where kids get overheated, envision a vibrant outdoor classroom space filled with trees, gardens, and play structures. This transformation isn't just for the kids; it benefits entire communities by creating inviting outdoor spaces for learning and play.

If all schoolyards were transformed and opened to the community after hours, 80 million people would have access to a new park within a 10-minute walk of home.

Alongside our partners and supporters, we are spearheading the initiative to convert our country's asphalt playgrounds into lush green spaces. To date, we've established nearly 300 Community Schoolyards® projects throughout the country!

A standout in this movement is our Oakland Green Schoolyards program, a collaboration with Green Schoolyards America and the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Together, we've reimagined four Oakland schoolyards, turning them from asphalt-covered spaces into healthy and inspiring green oases.

With 122 schools sprawled across 505 urban acres, the Oakland Green Schoolyards program presents a unique chance to bring the benefits of green space to countless residents. Unfortunately, like many schoolyards nationwide, OUSD's spaces were previously barren expanses of concrete, devoid of trees or vegetation, and prone to scorching temperatures exceeding 120 degrees. Fortunately, these once concrete lots are now safe, inviting spaces for both children and adults to enjoy the benefits of nature.

In a world where communities with less green space often face challenges such as hotter temperatures, poor air quality, and increased vulnerability to flooding, the significance of Community Schoolyards® projects cannot be overstated. We're not only making recess cooler, safer, and more enjoyable for our children but also actively mitigating the effects of climate change, which benefits us all. 

This Earth Month, and every day, TPL's Community Schoolyards® program continues to provide kids and entire communities with the Mother Nature-approved play spaces they both want and need.

Your support fuels this transformative movement, and we're grateful to have you on this journey with us. Together, we're championing the transformative power of fun, accessible green spaces—from Community Schoolyards® projects to urban trails to beautiful, expansive, and often historically significant public parks and lands!

—Community Schoolyards® Initiative @ TPL

P.S. Want to learn more about how we're taking Oakland Schoolyards from Asphalt to Extraordinary? Read more here!

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