We’re creating safe, healthy spaces to build safe, healthy rural communities.

Community Schoolyards are multi-benefit spaces designed alongside community.

Partners across Oregon are working together to design and build rural community schoolyards in Ontario and Madras, plus another community TBA soon!

Rural community schoolyards benefit...

Kids

  • Access to community or “green” space in schools can lead to better grades, higher test scores, and improved graduation rates.

  • Community schoolyards can also promote more physical activity in children, lowering risks for several obesity-related diseases.

  • Community schoolyards are good for mental health, too, leading to better stress management, improved behavior, and increased supportive social relationships.

The Environment

  • Natural elements like native plants can use less water to maintain than grass and help improve water quality in surrounding areas.

  • Increased biodiversity creates new habitat for wildlife.

Your Community

  • Outside of school hours, the Community Schoolyard can be used by the community as a space to gather, play, and socialize.

  • More green space means more social cohesion, better physical health, and better mental health in communities.

  • Well-managed community space can also reduce local crime rates and drug use.

“This is a huge deal, not just for our kids but for our entire community…this means that it matters. That this place matters, and we’re stepping up. It will make a difference.”

— Rita Hepper, principal of Chiloquin Elementary and member of the Chiloquin project team

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