Morrisania Educational Campus on Forrest Avenue wanted to make an improvement for the school and the community, by improving their school yard, which is now available for the public as of June 13. This attraction will be available for others outside the school as well (after school hours). The innovative design is set to appeal to all age groups.
The schoolyard includes various attractions such as a green roof gazebo, a turf field, running track, full basketball and volleyball courts, fitness and climbing equipment, and a colorful safety surface. In addition to an active play area and healthy lifestyle, the schoolyard includes picnic tables, game tables, an outdoor classroom with turf pod, and vibrant art. The newly planted trees provide shades. A drinking fountain is also available in the schoolyard. A 8th grade student from the Academy of Public Relations, Veyonce, said, “I like the new additions to the yard because before there wasn’t much to do during recess, and I think it’s even better that we can use it outside of the school.”
The new schoolyard is part of Trust for Public Land’s broader mission to create equitable access to nature, especially in areas where green space is limited. The schoolyard is set out to protect and improve the health of Long Island Sound. This collaboration is a study focused on restoring and protecting the sound through various initiatives, including water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and community engagement.
Image credit: NYC Climate.
