Media

Space to Grow is bringing about big results on the ground here in Chicago and is part of an exciting national movement for green schoolyards.

Our partners are available for interviews on the issues involved, including child health and learning, environmental benefits and impacts, neighborhood connectivity and more. Space to Grow partners are available to:

  • Coordinate interviews with staff experts, program participants and other leaders
  • Offer background and topic ideas based on the latest research and trends in green schoolyards
  • Provide links to our content, including videos, webinars, photos, original research and blog posts

Space to Grow also hosts events such as community planting days and ribbon-cutting celebrations that are open to the media. If you would like to be notified of upcoming events, please let us know.

To schedule an interview, sign up to hear about events or learn more about Space to Grow, please contact:

  • Emily Reusswig of Openlands via email or at 312-863-6250

Media Highlights

January 2023 | Pencils Down Podcast
Episode 6 – Space to Grow
Listen to “Episode 6 – Space to Grow” on Spreaker.

June 2022 | Next City
Is It Time to Reimagine the American Schoolyard?

November 2021 |Education Week
Schools Can’t Hide From Climate Change. They Must Be Part of the Solution

October 2021 | Chicago Sun-Times
New playground at South Side school aims to reduce flooding in surrounding homes

July 2019 | Crain’s Chicago Business
It’s a challenge, but Chicago has opportunities to add parkland

May 2019 | Yale Climate Connections podcast
Chicago groups turn concrete schoolyards into green spaces

April 2018 | Chicago Magazine
The Shape of Water

August 2017 | WTTW
McCook Reservoir to ‘Significantly Reduce’ Flooding, Says MWRD

July 2017 | Salud America!
Chicago Schools Partner with Water Utilities to Green Schoolyards

January 2017 |  School Planning and Management Magazine
Schoolyards that Both Students and Communities Enjoy

September 2016 | TedX (VIDEO)
Green, Healthy, Sustainable Schools | Jennifer Seydel | TEDxHerndon

November 2015 | Millennium Reserve
A Place to Play and a “Space to Grow”

June 2, 2015 | The Huffington Post
Green Schoolyards Are a Win for Kids, Communities and the Environment

March 19, 2015 | WaterWorld
Unique partnership awarded for stormwater management, water conservation efforts across IL 

February 25, 2015 | WTOP
If you build it, they will play

October 28, 2014 | AustinTalks
New project has Austin school growing green

For additional media coverage of each school, see School Profiles.