VIM is helping turn plain asphalt school playgrounds in Scranton into Community Schoolyards. A collaboration between Trust for Public Land, the Scranton School District, the City of Scranton, and VIM, these transformed spaces will allow for enhanced playing and learning experiences for children. They will also be open to the public after school, increasing the amount of quality park space within a ten minute walk of Scranton residents.
Kids design the playgrounds! VIM taught “participatory design” classes to second and third grade students at John F. Kennedy and John G. Whittier Elementary Schools in South Scranton. The students defined their needs for playing, learning, and re-charging. They collected input from parents, teachers, community members, and their fellow students. They measured the sites, tracked sunlight and rainwater movement, and budgeted. At Kennedy Elementary, a center for autistic support, children with special needs were included in the design classes. The resulting play spaces are both by them and for them.
The first Scranton schoolyard is under construction! The Community Schoolyard at Kennedy Elementary will have two large play structures, including communication boards and other features for children on the autism spectrum, a running loop, basketball hoop, outdoor classroom, trees, bushes, and flowers. Scranton’s first Community Schoolyard will be completed by October 2024.
