Design Criteria

Planning for the transformation of 80,000 square feet of asphalt in the middle of a densely populated neighborhood is a both a complex challenge and a fantastic opportunity. Five clear goals have motivated and guided The Irving Schoolyard Project:

1. Safety
Create a safe schoolyard which facilitates supervision, is less prone to accidents, and leaves no areas visually obscure.

2. Curriculum Opportunities
Create new opportunities for hands-on learning, physical fitness, and healthy social interaction with green space, outdoor classrooms, garden, and nature zones.

3. Accessibility
Orient public to school through walkways, signage, and delineation of entrance. Ensure good pathways and play areas for all students, staff, and parents.

4. Sustainability
Improve Irving’s impact on environment with better management of land, water, and energy.

5. Community Asset
Create a new community asset in Southeast Oak Park that provides recreational opportunities, natural beauty, and gathering spaces for the whole community.