In 2017, the Community Design Collaborative was tapped by the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association (OCCCDA) to remake Carnell Elementary School’s asphalt schoolyard into a space that will support project-based learning, play, and stormwater management... and celebrate the cultural diversity of a school community where 23 languages are spoken!
The project has received a $250,000 Greenways Grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). On October 19th, Beth Miller and members from our volunteer team joined State Senator Christine Tartaglione, State Representative Jared Solomon, City Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. William R. Hite, and leaders of the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association and the Laura H. Carnell Elementary School community to celebrate this game-changing grant.
A press release from State Senator Christine Tartaglione, 2nd Senatorial District, described the project’s impact and shared remarks by community, school, and public. Read the full release.
Nearly 1,000 Carnell School children and their community will benefit from a more accessible, engaging and welcoming space for active play and learning.
“This has been a truly collaborative and inclusive process, and the final product is all the stronger because of that.”
- State Representative Jared Solomon
“We have been working to support this vision through our Carnell Family Resource Center and are so excited to see the community vision for green play and learning space come to life in the designs from Stantec and the Community Design Collaborative.
- OCCCDA Executive Director Anita Lyndaker-Studer
“Not only will the green space at Carnell provide students the opportunity to play and exercise, but it will also offer a hands-on way for students to learn.”
- School District of Philadelphia Superintendent
Dr. William R. Hite
Learn more about the Collaborative’s conceptual design and volunteer team.
