Schoolyard Design

Well-designed schoolyards don’t just look good—they work. They are one of the most effective ways to reduce the common shortcomings of traditional schoolyards: conflict, loneliness, exclusion, bullying, boredom, and behavioural challenges. 

Well-designed schoolyards strengthen children’s confidence, playfulness, social connection, physical health, mental health, and overall well-being—foundations for school engagement and success.

A well-designed schoolyard is evidence-based and includes features such as:

• Landscape variety that offers choice, movement, challenge, and calm
• Natural elements that provide shade, comfort, and sensory richness
• A variety of play structures and niches that support active, social,  sensory, restorative, challenging, and imaginative play
• Loose equipment and loose parts that spark creativity and collaboration
• Seating and gathering spaces that support rest and social connection
• Multipurpose courts and sport facilities allow a wider range of recreational play, physical education classes, after-school activities, and intramural programs 
• Outdoor learning areas that extend inquiry based learning beyond the classroom
• Inclusive spaces and thoughtful pathways ensure every child can participate
• Spaces for all ages and stages 

When these elements are in place, children make friends more easily, interact more positively, include one another, and laugh more often. And because for many children—especially those in low-income communities—the schoolyard is their only daily opportunity for play, sport, and social connection, design becomes an issue of equity as much as inclusion.