Students at the Morton McMichael School, a K-8 public school located on Fairmount Avenue in the Mantua neighborhood, will have a brand new playground when the 2022-2023 school year begins next week, as the result of a joint effort by the School, Drexel University, and the Mantua Civic Association.

The new 12,000-square foot recreation space officially opened yesterday. It was the culmination of more than a decade of planning, fundraising and execution.

“This playground is a splendid example of what we can accomplish by working together as a community,” Drexel President John Fry said at the opening ceremony.

One of Drexel’s design professors, Deb Ruben, worked with students at the McMichael school to design the project with the goal to increase opportunity for play and for social and physical activity. In addition to the new play equipment, the redesigned space features a basketball hoop, painted game courts and a STEM-themed mural created by Mural Arts.

Ruben also worked with the Civic Association and School District to fundraise so that the new playground could be built this year.

In addition to its educational purpose, the McMichael school has served as an anchor for the surrounding community, hosting events, meetings and formal and informal gatherings since its opening in 1890. Drexel and the Mantua Civic Association initially joined forces to help the school in 2010 when it was threatened with closure. A school improvement plan was developed as part of this effort. Over these years, Drexel has invested more than $1.5 million in funds to support the school’s improved instruction, climate, after-school programming and beautification projects.