How Schoolyards Support Climate Resilience and Community Health Climate change does not affect all communities equally. In New York City, Black neighborhoods have faced higher exposure to extreme heat, fewer trees, and less access to safe green space as a result of decades of disinvestment and discriminatory policies. Community schoolyards play an important role in…
Roots & Place
Honoring Black History Through NYC Community Schoolyards Public spaces carry memory. In New York City, many community schoolyards sit in neighborhoods shaped by generations of Black history—through migration, resistance, celebration, and care. When schoolyards are designed with community voice at the center, they become places where that history is not only remembered, but lived. Two…
Black History Month in NYC Community Schoolyards
Honoring History, Culture, and Care Through Shared Space Black History Month is a time to honor the histories, contributions, and ongoing struggles of Black communities. At NYC Community Schoolyards, it is also a moment to reflect on how history lives on in the everyday spaces where children learn, play, and gather. Across New York City,…
Replanting your Schoolyard Garden
Garden dieback happens for many reasons—intense heat, drought, flooding, pests, soil compaction, or simply age. Replanting is an opportunity to refresh your schoolyard green spaces, support local biodiversity, and engage students and community members in hands-on stewardship. This guide offers clear steps and plant recommendations to help you bring your garden back to life. All…
Watershed $5000-$10000 Grant Opportunity – Due Feb 6
💧 Grant Opportunity for K–12 Educators: Your Schoolyard & NYC’s Watershed The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC), in partnership with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, is now accepting applications for the 29th round of Watershed Education Grants — with up to $10,000 available for student–teacher projects! This is a great opportunity for K–12 educators to…
Schoolyard Movie Nights
🎬 Schoolyard Movie Nights: Welcoming Families After Dusk While our schoolyards close at dusk, a school-sponsored evening event is a great way to experience the magic of a schoolyard at night — open, inviting, and full of community energy. These events can encourage after-hours community use. These gatherings remind families that schoolyards are open for…
NYCPS Sustainability Project Grant
Our NYC Community Schoolyards are more than just green spaces — they’re living classrooms. Across the city, schools in the program are home to thriving gardens, outdoor classrooms, greenroof gazebos, stormwater infrastructure, and trees that provide shade, beauty, and essential habitat. Now, thanks to the 10th Annual NYCPS Sustainability Project Grant, your school has an…
Seed Saving Workshop – Oct 10th and 11th
Free Seed Saving Workshop hosted by The Battery Urban Farm (but be sure to register on Eventbrite) Learn to save and store seeds from the vegetable and flower plants in your schoolyard’s garden through hands-on practice at The Battery Urban Farm. This workshop will cover the various approaches to saving seed from different plant families….
This is Your Sign! Tips for Installing Signage
Proper signage is essential to our playgrounds to make sure everyone is aware of rules to keep people safe. This means that proper instillation of your signs is equally as important to ensure longevity, as well as maintaining visibility and clarity. Beyond simply displaying the rules, signs act as reminders for children and caregivers alike,…
All About Warranties and Walkthroughs
With great play comes great responsibility. Here’s a friendly breakdown of typical warranty coverage for schoolyard installations and seasonal maintenance tips! Playground Walkthrough Before the playground opens, we have a construction walkthrough to ensure everything is ready for opening day. During this walkthrough with the TPL, contractors, and landscape architects, we discuss basic playground maintenance….