Located in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, the Courtenay Elementary School community worked for more than 5 years to turn their old schoolyard into a top-of-the-line play space for the school and surrounding community. Early phases of community engagement, fundraising, and concept visioning culminated in a robust program, which the team developed into a plan with inclusive playgrounds, a basketball court, a soccer field, running track, educational nature garden, murals, and a flexible plaza. All of these efforts led to an inclusive, joyful, and impactful space representative of Courtenay’s identity and the community’s investments. This project gives students and people around the community a place to play, learn, and engage with nature.
Kids should always have a place to play.
