Donald L. Morrill Math & Science School

6011 S. Rockwell, Chicago Lawn neighborhood

Donald L. Morrill Math & Science School’s Space to Grow redesign included, among other things, a multipurpose turf field, two half-court basketball courts, play equipment for students of all ages, edible Learning Gardens from The Kitchen Community and disconnected downspouts that feed water into rain gardens with native plants.

In 2014, Morrill was chosen as one of the first schools to receive a $1.5 million schoolyard transformation from Space to Grow. And now, almost two years later, the schoolyard is filled with kids playing basketball, students of all ages using the playground equipment, and the community milling around the rain gardens.

“I love the schoolyard because it brings families together,” said local resident Terry Smith. “Sometimes people go to the garden to have a picnic—just watching the flowers … Everybody’s trying to keep it beautiful.” In addition to providing students a place to play and learn, the space addresses flooding through the use of green stormwater infrastructure.

Read More about Donald L. Morrill Math & Science School

September 2015 | Healthy Schools Campaign
Morrill Celebrates Year One of their New Schoolyard

June 2015 | Healthy Schools Campaign
One Principal’s Journey to Transform a Schoolyard

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

October 2014 | W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Chicago’s communities turning schoolyards into vibrant outdoor spaces

October 2014 | DNA Info
Morrill Elementary to Unveil New Basketball Court, Soccer Field and Garden

October 2014 | Storm Water Solutions
Chicago Elementary School to Unveil New Schoolyard

September 2014 | Healthy Schools Campaign
It Takes a Village to Plant a Schoolyard

September 2014 | Healthy Schools Campaign
A New Schoolyard Means Big Transformation for Local Community