Living Schoolyards
Redesigning and realizing next-generation schoolyards that provide dynamic joyful play spaces for health, wellness, and academic success.
Dynamic, Joyful Play Spaces
OUSD’s Facilities Planning and Management Department, in collaboration with several other departments at OUSD and external partners is redesigning and realizing next-generation schoolyards that provide dynamic, joyful play spaces for health, wellness, and academic success.
Branded as “Living Schoolyards,” this initiative aims to transform the current paved-over schoolyards into places where nature is integrated into the everyday experience of our students and communities.
The need for the Living Schoolyards Initiative was in part guided by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play State of Play report that found that a large majority of Oakland youth and community members lack safe and natural spaces to play and engage in outdoor activity. View the outcomes of the study below.
Oakland youth are less physically active than the nation.
Only 14% of youth in Oakland meet the 60 minutes of physical activity per day recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, below the national average of 23%.
Access to quality parks is unevenly distributed.
Residents in Oakland neighborhoods where people most identify as a person of color have access to 66% less park space per person than those in predominantly White neighborhoods.
Impactful results for our students
22
Projects completed
25
Play structures added
24
Sports courts added
18
Murals painted
473
Trees planted
22
Nature exploration areas added
15
Gardens planted
25
Outdoor classrooms
Addressing the Issues
Living Schoolyard design integrates critical issues needed to be solved at OUSD schools, including, boosting mental and physical health, improving children’s educational outcomes, creating opportunities for social and emotional development, mitigating heat and pollution, and strengthening our community.
OUSD passed the Living Schoolyards policy in 2019, and the OUSD Living Schoolyards Guidelines were published in November 2022. Both the policy and the guidelines drive the work today. Here are our goals:
- Create Outdoor Environments Optimized for 21st Century Education
- Increase Access to Park Space
- Increase Children’s Joy
- Strengthen Community Engagement
- Improve Students’ Health and Wellness
- Prioritize Equity
- Create Vibrant Play and Social Environments
- Strengthen OUSD’s Environmental Resilience
The Living Schoolyards Process
The Living Schoolyards Initiative aims to transform school campuses into vibrant, engaging, and sustainable spaces that foster learning and community. Our three-step process provides a clear guide to bringing Living Schoolyards projects to life.
Assessment
OUSD conducts a comprehensive assessment using the Joyful Schools Facilities Rubric & Assessment to prioritize projects effectively.
Planning and Community Engagement
OUSD ensures that the planning for these projects is informed by both direct feedback from the community and insights from past successful initiatives.
This collaborative approach helps bring together students, staff, and community members. It fosters strong support and encourages active participation. And on most of our builds, community members can volunteer to help build parts of the yard.
Construction
OUSD's construction processes are streamlined to minimize disruption and prioritize safety. We collaborate closely with school staff and contractors to ensure the construction phase proceeds smoothly.
Key Features of a Living Schoolyard
Murals
Nature Exploration Areas, Gardens, & Trees
Play Structures
Ground Games
Multi-Sport Courts
Living Schoolyards Projects by School Site
Current Living Schoolyard
Number of students enrolled at school with an existing Living Schoolyard.
Number of students enrolled at school with a future Living Schoolyard.
Living Schoolyards Partners
Notes:
The Manzanita Community/ Manzanita SEED schools include two Living Schoolyards projects: one designed for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through Grade 2 (existing); and one designed for Grades 3 through 5 (to be constructed).
The Melrose Leadership Academy school includes two completed Living Schoolyards projects: one designed for TK through Grade 2; and one designed for Grades 3 through 8.
Source: Enrollment data as reported to the California Department of Education, Census Day, October 2, 2024.
Map version: March 2025.
Disclaimer: OUSD makes every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of data and the materials presented therewith. OUSD periodically updates and revises data as needed. OUSD provides t his data for informational and planning purposes only. OUSD makes no claims, no representations, and no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of data. OUSD shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data d escribed and/or contained herein.
Learn More About Our Partners
The OUSD Facilities Planning and Management Department is leading this transformational Initiative, consistently engaging with communities and developing strong partnerships with national and local programs and foundations. These partnerships provide funding, planning, and realization of our improvement projects. The Living Schoolyards' work and success would not be possible without the support of these partnerships.