ICSD Longitudinal Playspace Renovation Project
Longitudinal wait-list control study to examine the impacts of multiple schoolyard renovation components at several elementary schools in Ithaca, NY
2025-2030
Project Overview
In collaboration with the Ithaca City School District, the Alliance for Childhood and TetraTech Architects & Engineers, we are preparing a 5-year project to examine the impacts on student behaviors, development and learning outcomes associated with several components of schoolyard renovation projects at 3 elementary schools: 1) a co-design program with students that establishes their design preferences and priorities, 2) the renovation of the schoolyard environment, and 3) the implementation of a staff training program in playwork principles to help leverage the redesigned schoolyard for play and learning activities.
Where and with whom?
Working with the students, staff and community of 3 elementary schools in the ICSD, along with the school architects and playwork consultants
Expected Outcomes
The project is expected to yield 1) empirical research on the impacts of each component of the renovation on student, staff and school community outcomes, 2) updated co-design resources for engaging children in design visioning and decision-making, 3) playwork training modules for staff to support facilitation of play and learning activities in outdoor playspaces