Living within 10 minutes of a park can increase a person’s mental and physical health and enhance children’s educational experiences. For communities, quality green spaces close the outdoor equity gaps, help combat the effects of climate change, and facilitate social cohesion.

But in 2017 Trust for Public Land’s (TPL) ParkScore® Index revealed that over half a million Dallas residents lacked access to a nearby park. To close that gap, we partnered with the Texas Trees Foundation, Dallas Park and Recreation, and Dallas Independent School District to transform public school playgrounds into neighborhood parks accessible to the broader communities after learning hours and on weekends.

The Dallas Community Schoolyards™ program improves health, equity, and climate resilience of neighborhoods throughout the city. It enhances the lives of students, families, teachers, and the community. The TPL Land and People Lab used computer-assisted geomapping to pinpoint public school campuses located in Dallas’s largest park deserts—areas lacking nearby green space. In partnership with the Texas Trees Foundation, TPL transformed 19 of the highest-need campuses into “Cool School Neighborhood Parks.”

The program provides each schoolyard with a new playground, walking trail, outdoor classroom, native trees, and community-inspired art created by local artists. Community members and schools are heavily involved in choosing the design elements, features, and equipment that fit their needs. TPL connects with neighborhood leaders, residents, students, and school staff through community design meetings, surveys, online engagement tools, and educational Park Bench Chats. Texas Trees Foundation led construction of park features, tree planting, and a nature-based curriculum for students.

In 2022, TPL celebrated the grand opening of the 19th schoolyard within a 10-minute walk of over 71,000 Dallas residents.

“This program represents the work of TPL by doing what we do best, creating access to outdoor places for everyone, everywhere. Each of these schoolyards is located in park deserts, and our goal is to make sure these parks are accessible and welcoming to everyone by working with the community to address their needs and fulfill their vision,” says Molly Plummer, director of Parks and Schoolyards for TPL’s Texas program.

Scroll down to learn more about each specific campus and find a Cool School Neighborhood Park near you!

Visit the different Cool School sites to learn more about each new community park, see final designs, and more!