Natalie McHugh spent her childhood running across the vast, concrete expanses of South Philadelphia’s schoolyards, never once questioning why they were so devoid of trees or greenery. Even as an educator at Southwark Elementary, those asphalt surfaces were just a part of the scenery. But a passing comment from her principal one day changed her perspective: “He said, ‘This is not good, Nat.’ And I was like, ‘What do you mean?'”
Since that moment, according to a Washington Post story, Southwark’s once barren schoolyard has undergone a radical transformation, becoming a patch of greenery among the urban sprawl. This change isn’t unique to Southwark. Across Philadelphia and beyond, a growing number of schoolyards have been redesigned to include more trees, gardens, and outdoor learning spaces, thanks to efforts by organizations like the Trust for Public Land. It isn’t merely about aesthetics; it’s part of a larger push to address the public health risks posed by extreme heat, especially in schools located in urban areas with limited green space.
The asphalt-heavy playgrounds that once dominated school grounds are now being recognized as heat traps. The surfaces, installed decades ago when asphalt was considered a practical solution, are now magnifying the health dangers associated with rising temperatures. Schools, particularly those in dense, low-income neighborhoods, are often surrounded by concrete and asphalt, creating urban heat islands where temperatures are significantly higher than in leafier, suburban areas. “Schools are basically shade deserts,” notes Kelly Turner, a heat expert from UCLA, who has researched the lack of tree cover in urban schools.
The heat absorbed by these blacktop playgrounds can reach dangerously high levels. Researchers have measured surface temperatures of up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, putting children at risk of heat-related illnesses and burns. Even alternative surfaces like rubber and artificial turf, which many schools have turned to in recent years, can become unbearably hot. Jennifer Vanos, an associate professor at Arizona State University, points out that “what we see at outdoor play spaces is a little heat island within the larger heat island.” The problem is widespread and growing, not just in urban districts but nationwide.
Addressing this issue, however, is neither simple nor cheap. The Trust for Public Land has renovated over 300 schoolyards across 23 states, but the need remains vast. Public schools in the U.S. cover roughly 2 million acres of land, much of which lacks any meaningful tree cover. Greening these spaces requires substantial financial and logistical commitments, something that cash-strapped school districts often struggle with. Projects can take years to complete, with costs running anywhere from $400,000 to $2.5 million, according to Danielle Denk, who leads the schoolyard transformation efforts for the Trust.
One example of the ongoing challenges can be seen at Webster Elementary in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. The schoolyard there remains dominated by asphalt, punctuated by only a few benches and delivery areas. Renovating a space like this, where trees and playground equipment are non-existent, is far more expensive than similar efforts in suburban schools. Urban districts, however, often have fewer resources at their disposal to carry out these renovations.
In California, efforts are underway to alleviate the heat burden in schools. This summer, the state’s legislature agreed to place a $10 billion bond on the ballot, part of which could fund tree-planting initiatives and the removal of asphalt around public schools. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has committed $500 million to greening projects in its school district, with plans to turn at least 30 percent of schoolyards into green spaces. Still, hundreds of schools in the district are well below this target, with many having less than 10 percent green space.
Many schools also struggle with the long-term maintenance required for these green spaces, with some opting for heat-absorbing artificial materials to save on upkeep costs. In districts where resources are stretched thin, finding a balance between cooling the playgrounds and managing ongoing costs remains a difficult equation.
The push for greener, cooler schoolyards is gaining momentum. For many advocates, it’s about more than just mitigating extreme heat. “When you plant trees, you also get benefits for children’s well-being, for their learning, for play, for community access,” explains Sharon Danks, CEO of Green Schoolyards America. But at its core, this movement is about adapting to climate change and protecting the next generation from the increasingly harsh realities of a warming planet.
