Lincoln School Students Receive New Schoolyard and Learning Spaces Through District Partnership with Trust For Public Land

When Lincoln School students had recess last year, they ran out to a plot of empty asphalt. But today, that area has been transformed into a vibrantly active schoolyard equipped with engaging play areas and learning spaces, including a hydroponic garden where students can learn how to grow fruits and vegetables.

The new schoolyard is the result of a collaborative effort by Newark Public Schools, Trust for Public Land (TPL), the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program, Ahavas Sholom, and other supporters.

“The new schoolyard at Lincoln School is a great example of how much that can be accomplished through great collaborators working in the spirit of community for the sake of our students,” said Superintendent León. “This wonderful space, designed with the insightful input of Lincoln School students, provides play areas and learning environments that will inspire creativity and joy for years to come. We are deeply grateful to the Trust for Public Land and the State of New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres program for their generosity and support in making this project a reality. I also want to thank N.J. Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz for her tireless advocacy and leadership. Together, we’ve created a space where our children can learn, grow, and thrive.”

“The transformation of the schoolyard at Lincoln School is an incredible achievement for our community, and we are proud to see this vision come to life,” said Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “This space reflects our commitment to creating environments where our students can thrive, and it stands as a symbol of what’s possible when we all work together.”

“The new schoolyard at Lincoln Elementary is a dream come true for our students and staff,” said Lincoln School Principal Hillary Dow. “This incredible space not only gives our children a place to play but also provides outdoor learning environments that will enrich their educational experience.”

Along with new and innovative play structures, the schoolyard includes green infrastructure to mitigate the heat island effect and stormwater runoff. New planting areas have a variety of garden types and native plant materials. There are also raised garden beds to accompany the hydroponic facility, rain gardens to handle stormwater runoff, and a system under the turf field collecting stormwater for later release into the city’s sewer system.

From the start, students have played a critical role in developing this Community Schoolyard. During the Participatory Design process, TPL worked with students to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math in ways those fields related to the new schoolyard.

This new schoolyard also aligns with Governor Murphy’s climate education vision. On June 3rd, 2020, New Jersey became the first – and so far only – state in the nation to incorporate climate change education across its K-12 learning standards. As climate change continues to impact communities, this education system will set the precedent for other states to follow suit.

“Solutions like this new hydroponic garden and a dedicated curriculum at Lincoln Elementary to teach students about healthy eating options is a huge step forward in addressing this,” said Scott Dvorak, AVP and New Jersey State Director for Trust for Public Land. “By working with students and the local community, TPL has ensured that this new facility and future garden and Community Schoolyard will increase the park space we need for greater public health, environmental education, and neighborhood empowerment.”

“At Love Beauty and Planet, we believe that small acts of love can make the planet a little cleaner, greener and more beautiful,” said Jessica Grigoriou, Unilever’s Head of Beauty Marketing. “It has been an honor working with Trust for Public Land, supporting them as they transform our nation’s schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that improve the lives of students, educators, and the surrounding community.”

The Lincoln School Project will bring a Community Schoolyard to 9,004 residents, including 2,261 children within a 10-minute walk of home.

Trust for Public Land has transformed nearly 300 underused schoolyards nationwide into nature-rich play and education facilities designed to address inequities in education, health, and climate impacts.

Since 1995, TPL has transformed 13 of Newark’s schoolyards and city parks into vibrant community spaces that benefit more than 95,000 residents who now live within a 10-minute walk of fun, safe public parks.

According to research from TPL, open access to all public schoolyards during non-school hours would put a park within a 10-minute walk of more than 19.6 million people, including 5.2 million children, who currently lack access.

About Newark Public Schools

The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676.  The District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 64 schools.  After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

About Trust for Public Land

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,420 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $94 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.