A newly transformed community schoolyard opened at P.S. 197 The Kings Highway Academy in Midwood on Sept. 26, thanks to a collaboration between the Trust for Public Land, city agencies and local partners.
Built with climate resilience in mind, the schoolyard is designed to capture 1.7 million gallons of stormwater each year, easing flooding in the neighborhood. Eighteen new trees will also provide shade and cooling, creating a welcoming spot for students, families and community members.
The opening was celebrated on September 26 during Climate Week NYC with a festive community event featuring a drumline, cheerleaders, student performances and a red carpet.
The P.S. 197 project is part of the Trust for Public Land’s nationwide Community Schoolyards initiative, which reimagines asphalt schoolyards into green public spaces. The revitalized space will give more than 27,000 nearby residents, including over 6,000 children, access to a park within a 10-minute walk of home.
“This new community schoolyard at P.S. 197 will give students and their families a beautiful space to enjoy, while also protecting the Midwood neighborhood from flooding and extreme heat," said Tamar Renaud, New York State Director for Trust for Public Land. "It’s a powerful example of how we can reimagine schoolyards as neighborhood assets that bring joy, health, and resilience to the entire community.”
The project was funded through a mix of public and private support, including the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and S&P.
“With climate change increasingly threatening our city, we need to creatively adapt,” said Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice Executive Director Elijah Hutchinson. “Our playgrounds can help us manage water from intense storms, provide shade on a hot day, and be an outdoor classroom while serving as a fun and safe place for some of the families that need it the most in our environmental justice communities.”
