From barren blacktop to colorful play space: Taggart School unveils transformed schoolyard
This year a number of South Philly schools have been planning some much-needed improvements to their playgrounds and outdoor spaces. The Taggart School in Whitman is one of the now-completed schoolyard transformations.
At the beginning of the month, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the completed renovation, and in the coming week, the schoolyard at 400 W. Porter St. will be open for the public to utilize.
The outdoor space was originally barren blacktop with just basketball hoops. Students now have a completely transformed space with a turf field, basketball court, running track and other play equipment. The new greenery, in addition to the rain gardens make the space a more environmentally friendly and a fun place for kids at the school to play and learn. The design process for the schoolyard allowed students to weigh-in on their playground priorities, some of which made it into the final design.
This is what the schoolyard looked like before:
The Trust for Public Land is in the process of legally transferring the site back to the school district. By late next week, possibly even sooner, non-students can stop by to utilize this space.
I’d love to see this at Stephen Girard School at 18th and West Passyunk. The place is a concrete jungle.
The design process has started for schoolyard renovations at Girard! https://passyunkpost.com/2016/10/21/what-would-you-like-to-see-improved-at-the-childs-elementary-schoolyard-fill-out-this-survey/