These kids revamped their schoolyard. It could be a model to make cities healthier

A schoolyard revamp led by students in Philadelphia could serve as a model for creating healthier cities by providing much-needed green spaces.

Problem background: Low-income communities and communities of color in America have far less access to green spaces, contributing to health disparities.
* Access to parks and green spaces has various physical and mental health benefits, such as lower stress levels, improved physical activity, and increased sense of community.

Solution: The Trust for Public Land’s schoolyard transformation projects, where students (with adult supervision) take charge of redesigning their school grounds.
* Example: Add B. Anderson School’s revitalized schoolyard in Philadelphia, featuring a running track, basketball court, picnic areas, play equipment, and rain gardens.

Benefits to students: Beyond introducing nature into kids’ daily routines, renovated schoolyards have been linked to improvements in academic performance and attendance rates.
* Kids in green spaces also tend to engage in more intense physical activity.

Wider impact: Revamped schoolyards are open to the entire community, providing access to green spaces for both children and adults who may not have had such access previously.

View original article on NPR

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