Green Schoolyards

Tell Congress to transform concrete schoolyards into thriving parks and green spaces for kids and communities.

Message Congress

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Cooperative Action Network

For many kids, the closest outdoor space lies just beyond their classroom.

The average kid spends less than 10 minutes in unstructured play outside each day. Access to green spaces in neighborhoods and on school grounds can have dramatic consequences for our children; studies have shown that time outside improves outcomes across the board, including:

Better academic performance
Reductions in bullying and antisocial behavior
Diminished symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression
More physical activity
Stronger connections with peers, teachers, and community, and
Deeper connection to nature and the outdoors.

Right now, Congress is deciding on legislation that will help kids across America enjoy safer, greener spaces to run, play, learn and thrive. By establishing a grants program to schools dedicated to transforming schoolyards into dynamic outdoor learning environments, this legislation will support academic and individual health outcomes for kids across the country.

Take action by telling Congress to support green schoolyards today.

The Living Schoolyards Act of 2023 would provide grants to schools and districts to transform their schoolyards into dynamic outdoor learning environments through:

Growing healthy foods, trees and pollinator plants;
Conserving water and wildlife habitats;
Providing children with opportunities to observe nature, document seasonal changes and conduct outdoor experiments;
Improving shade coverage or other measures that build resilience to climate change and lower the severity of heat waves and cooling costs to school buildings; and
Designating creative spaces for students to celebrate the natural beauty of their communities;

The bill would establish the Outdoor Learning Spaces Grants program to be administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Through grants, schools and school districts would receive resources to install canopies, tents, open-sided structures, generators, furniture, storage, wifi nodes and charging stations, outdoor food and distribution facilities, gardens, and weather-related clothing. Educators will also receive resources to incorporate new outdoor spaces into lesson plans. Read The Living Schoolyards Act text on Congress.gov.Read more about the Living Schoolyards Act here.

Green Schoolyards

For many kids, the closest outdoor space lies just beyond their classroom.

Take action by telling Congress to support green schoolyards today.

About the Living Schoolyards Act