Philadelphia Schoolyards

OLIN worked with the Trust for Public Land and the School District of Philadelphia to invigorate and elevate two public schoolyards in Philadelphia, the Mary McLeod Bethune School in North Philadelphia and the Alain Locke School in West Philadelphia. Both projects were developed simultaneously in collaboration with play design experts Studio Ludo to transform them from barren asphalt lots into exciting places for play, learning, art, joy, and experiences with nature. Through a community and school engagement process, OLIN and the design team met with students and faculty from both schools to carry out a vision that excites students, staff, and neighbors alike.

The mission was bolstered by a rigorous process working with our civil engineering consultant E&LP and PWD to ensure that each schoolyard captures 100% of the stormwater that falls on site and to turn impervious surfaces into areas that improve water quality. The true challenges of this project were to disturb less than 15% of the site and to provide easily maintainable, accessible natural areas. These schoolyards are a part of a critical citywide mandate to reduce the volume and impact of stormwater runoff on city-managed properties as an expedient approach to mitigating the burden on Philadelphia’s combined sewer system.

With Studio Ludo, OLIN developed modes of play that broadly serve the community and different school age groups through various equipment at multiple skill levels. The team worked with local artists to provide meaningful murals that speak to the history, character, and community of each school and its neighborhood. Through outreach efforts spearheaded by TPL, OLIN and the design team established meaningful relationships with the schools and their respective communities and have been humbled by the enormous impact and pride that each of these schoolyards will create, now and into the future.

Location
Philadelphia, PA

Owner
Trust for Public Land and the School District of Philadelphia

Status
Completed 2024

Key Team Members
Trevor Lee, Partner
Demetrios Staurinos, Partner