Here’s some great news for Alain Locke Elementary School students and the surrounding community. Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit that helps connect communities to the benefits and joys of the outdoors, has announced the groundbreaking for the revitalization of Alain Locke’s schoolyard into a dynamic community space. A barren, cracked asphalt lot will be transformed into a green oasis for the entire neighborhood to enjoy!

Located at 4550 Haverford Avenue, Alain Locke School has long been a cornerstone of the community. With a goal to foster learning and community engagement, TPL has partnered with the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, Drexel University and the Philadelphia Water Department to reimagine the schoolyard as a multifunctional space that will serve as a catalyst for social, recreational, and educational activities.

The transformation of the schoolyard will include the installation of new play equipment, green infrastructure elements, and outdoor classrooms. These enhancements will not only provide students with a safe and engaging environment for learning and play but also create opportunities for residents of all ages to come together, connect with nature, and lead active lifestyles.

“By transforming the schoolyard into a vibrant community hub, we aim to create a space where families can gather, children can play, and neighbors can connect,” said Owen Franklin, Pennsylvania State Director for Trust for Public Land.

The schoolyard will be open to the public after school hours and designed to meet the needs of the more than 7,000 people who live within a 10-minute walk.

In 2017, Alain Locke was named one of Philadelphia’s Community Schools. Community Schools are a partnership among the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and school communities to remove barriers to learning and support the success of each student.