Chicago Schoolyards Transformed into Green Spaces

- The Space to Grow initiative is co-managed by two Chicago-based nonprofits, Healthy Schools Campaign and Openlands. Capital funding and expertise are provided by public agencies including Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Department of Water Management, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. - As of late 2025, the program has transformed 41 schoolyards, with plans to complete four more in 2026, which will bring the total to 45. This will result in over 10% of all of Chicago's neighborhood elementary schools having a Space to Grow schoolyard. - Each schoolyard renovation costs approximately $1.5 million and is designed to capture a significant amount of stormwater to mitigate neighborhood flooding. For example, the 41 completed schoolyards can collectively capture nearly 8.8 million gallons of water during a single rain event. - The design of each schoolyard incorporates green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, permeable pavers, and underground storage beneath turf fields. These features help reduce the load on the city's combined sewer system. - A pilot study at Morrill Elementary School showed that the redesigned schoolyard led to a notable increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity among students, particularly boys. - The selection process for schools prioritizes those in low-income communities that face challenges with basement flooding, have deficits in park and green space, and exhibit a low childhood opportunity index. - The program originated in part from a parent-led campaign advocating for the reinstatement of recess in Chicago Public Schools, which was successful in 2011. - In March 2024, the MWRD Board of Commissioners approved up to $15.9 million in additional funding for the program through 2026.