schoolyards

Schoolyards are outdoor spaces attached to educational institutions, designed for recreation, physical education, and informal social interaction among students. They provide opportunities for active play, rest, and outdoor learning that complements indoor classrooms. Layouts and features vary by country, school level, climate, and budget, but most include a mix of open turf or pavement areas alongside built facilities.

Common features include playground equipment for younger students, sports courts or fields for games and PE, running tracks or open space for activities, seating and shade, and sometimes garden beds or nature areas. Surface materials range from asphalt or concrete to rubberized safety surfaces, grass, or a combination, chosen for durability and injury prevention. Accessibility and visibility are important, with accessible routes and clear sightlines to enable supervision during recess and classes.

Maintenance, safety, and policy govern usage. Schoolyards require regular inspection for hazards, cleaning, and repairs, and their use may be coordinated with custodial staff, teachers, and administrators. Many schools allow community use after hours or on weekends, subject to rules and liability considerations.

Historically, the modern schoolyard has been shaped by the playground movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which emphasized supervised outdoor play and physical development. Today’s schoolyards often focus on inclusive design, promoting physical activity, outdoor learning, and engagement with natural or garden spaces alongside traditional play areas.