Before it was part of Trust for Public Land’s Community Schoolyards™ program, the playground at Southwark School in Philadelphia was like many schoolyards you’d find in many American communities today—run-down, long-forgotten, and even unsafe.
All concrete, without a single tree or patch of grass, let alone anything that inspires active, creative play. Children would find broken cement pieces to play with, which they tossed back and forth to one another.
But thanks to TPL members, we worked with Southwark School to build the thriving schoolyard it has today, one with trees and flowers, play equipment and a turf field, and bright colors and artwork!
The old schoolyard at Southwark School was a vast expanse of concrete, with few spaces to sit and read or run and play.
But now, the 27,000 residents near the school have a beautiful park within a 10-minute walk from home!
This is so exciting,
John, and we need your help to take advantage of the potential that Community Schoolyards projects have to offer to millions of Americans.
From Philadelphia to New York City, Atlanta to Tacoma, we're working to improve the lives of schoolchildren while also providing park access for nature-deprived communities. That's because Community Schoolyards projects can double as a public park for the local community.
And if we transform all public schoolyards in America, we can create near-to-home parks for 20 million people, including 5.2 million children, while also taking advantage of a common-sense solution for the park equity divide in this country.
With your past support, we’ve completed 300 Community Schoolyards projects, but so many more schools and communities need our help. Your gift can help us put a quality park close to home for 20 million people. Unlock America’s schoolyards with a gift today!
Sincerely,
Josh VanDavier
Associate Director, Digital Membership
P.S. Our Community Schoolyards initiative is transforming America’s run-down school playgrounds into vibrant community parks for all to enjoy, but we need your help to transform thousands more. We can give 20 million people a park close to home by renovating our nation’s schoolyards—please make a gift today!
