Join us for a tour of Wadsworth STEM Elementary School’s Space to Grow schoolyard in Woodlawn!
As climate change intensifies and Chicago’s aging and combined sewer system struggles during heavy rainstorms, historically disinvested neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable to urban flooding. Space to Grow is tackling these challenges through a unique partnership that transforms primarily asphalt schoolyards into multifunctional green spaces that enhance climate resilience and promote the health and well-being of students and communities.
Since 2014, the Space to Grow partnership—led by Healthy Schools Campaign and Openlands, with leadership and capital funds provided by Chicago Public Schools, the Department of Environment, the Department of Water Management, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District—has transformed 36 schoolyards, which can collectively capture over 22 million gallons of stormwater annually.
Discover how green stormwater infrastructure at Wadsworth’s schoolyard, such as permeable surfaces and rain gardens, helps mitigate flooding, turns water into a resource for environmental benefit, and creates healthier spaces for outdoor learning and community connection. This session will highlight the program’s impact and emphasize the importance of equitable, nature-based solutions for water management in Chicago.
Location
Wadsworth STEM Elementary School, 6650 S. Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
