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, John G. Whittier, and Frances Willard Elementary Schools in 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 in time for opening ceremonies in May 2025!
VIM and Trust for Public Land have partnered with the Scranton Area Community Foundation to set up a special fund just for this Community Schoolyards program in Scranton. Help us help the kids of Scranton by donating to this fund here.
