Open Space
Vare-Washington Elementary
When two Southeast Philadelphia elementary schools merged, the opportunity arose to extend the amazing things happening inside to the schoolyard and two rooftop spaces. The Collaborative’s conceptual plan lays out future options for active play—a full or half basketball court, play equipment, and a gaga arena—and unique elements like a pollinator garden, a rooftop performance space, and an exploratory tree swale.
-
The Vare-Washington schoolyard re-envisioned
-
The existing Vare-Washington schoolyard
-
Programming for the schoolyard drew priorities from a wish list generated by a community task force.
-
The conceptual site plan
-
A pollinator garden helps the environment and supports the science curriculum.
-
Two rooftop areas open up possibilities for outdoor learning, performances, and science experiments.
