Jefferson Elementary Community Schoolyard

Jefferson Elementary School serves a diverse student body population, and like many rural areas across Southern Minnesota, its school is more diverse now than when its existing playground was built. Nearly 80 percent of students identify as a person of color, including 55 percent English learners and 78 percent of students are on free or reduced lunch. The pandemic further exacerbated student behavioral issues and learning gaps with little space for students to call their own.

These students deserve a playground that meets their needs and reflects the vibrancy of their community. Through our Community Schoolyards program, Trust for Public Land is partnering with the school and residents to reimagine a new playground for everyone to enjoy—improving health, equity, climate, and learning outcomes for students and community members alike.

Once complete, the renovated schoolyard will be park-like and create a more inclusive place to play, bringing people of different backgrounds and cultures together to enjoy the outdoors. Many newer residents come from places where soccer is an important part of their culture, and including features like a soccer field will foster a space of community and acceptance. The schoolyard improvements will also create a cooler place to play with new tree canopy, grass, and gardens.

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).