Completed in 2024

OLIN worked with the Trust for Public Land and the School District of Philadelphia to invigorate and elevate two public schoolyards in Philadelphia: the Mary McLeod Bethune School in North Philadelphia and the Alain Locke School in West Philadelphia. The projects were developed simultaneously, both in collaboration with play design experts Studio Ludo to transform them from barren asphalt lots into exciting places for play, learning, art, joy, and experiences with nature. Through a community and school engagement process, OLIN and the design team met with students and faculty from each school to carry out a vision that would excite students, staff, and neighbors alike.

These schoolyards are a part of a critical citywide mandate to reduce the volume and impact of stormwater runoff from city-managed properties as an expedient approach to mitigating the burden on Philadelphia’s combined sewer system. The environmental improvement goals were bolstered through a rigorous working process with our civil engineering consultant AKRF and the Philadelphia Water Department so that each schoolyard captures 100% of on-site stormwater and previously impervious surfaces were transformed to improve water quality. The true challenges of the projects were to disturb less than 15% of each site and to provide easily maintainable, accessible natural areas for enjoyment and ecosystem benefit.

With Studio Ludo, OLIN developed modes of play that broadly serve the community and different school age groups with various equipment types for multiple skill levels. The team worked with local artists to create murals that speak to the history, character, and community of each school and its neighborhood. Through outreach efforts spearheaded by TPL, OLIN and the design team established meaningful relationships with the schools and their respective communities. We are humbled by the enormous impact and pride that each of these schoolyards will create—now and into the future.

Team Photo:

Studio Ludo,

AKRF,

 SAS Geospatial,

Dharam Consulting

Website: https://www.theolinstudio.com/philadelphia-schoolyards