Florida Construction News staff writer
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has expanded the Community Schoolyards program to Miami Beach for the 2024-2025 school year. Biscayne Beach Elementary has been selected as the first site for this initiative, marking a significant step in enhancing community access to green spaces.
The design process is currently underway for the school field, which is jointly owned by the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This project aims to create a safe and inviting outdoor environment for families and students in the North Beach area.
“We are excited about expanding our schoolyards program to Miami Beach to create a safe and inviting green space in Miami-Dade County,” said Jay Wozniak, Director of Urban Parks for Trust for Public Land. “Hundreds of families will benefit from having greater access to outdoor recreation and a safe place to gather.”
The designs for the Biscayne Beach Elementary schoolyard will be shaped through a participatory process that includes input from students and the local community. TPL plans to conduct community engagement activities in early fall 2024, ensuring the new spaces reflect the needs and desires of residents.
Potential features of the redesigned schoolyard may include outdoor learning areas, musical instruments, shaded seating, and climbing equipment. This initiative not only addresses the need for accessible recreational spaces but also serves as a response to the broader challenge of park access. According to TPL, 100 million people in the U.S., including 28 million children, lack access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk from home.
The Community Schoolyards program is a national initiative that transforms schoolyards to address climate challenges and enhance educational outcomes. In Miami Beach, enhancements will add valuable green space to the community.
“Renovated schoolyards can also help communities address climate vulnerabilities,” Wozniak said. “Landscaped gardens and porous surfaces absorb stormwater and provide cooling shade.”
For more information about the Trust for Public Land and its initiatives, visit tpl.org.
