May 23, 2008

Green Schoolyards Exhibit Opens

WASHINGTON, DC — Visitors to Washington, D.C., have the opportunity to learn how green schoolyards can lead to active, green, and livable communities in the Sustainable Schoolyard exhibit this summer at the U.S. Botanic Garden.

The American Planning Association (APA) along with a network of partners is presenting the Sustainable Schoolyard exhibit May 24–October 13, 2008. A special press preview will be held on Friday, May 23, 2008.

Sustainable Schoolyard will illustrate the direct connection between a community's design and the health and well-being of its residents, using schoolyards as the starting point.

Throughout the exhibit, visitors will learn about:

• Locating key destinations such as schools within walking or biking distance;
• Incorporating elements such as pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes and paths, and parks and plazas for gathering;
• Maintaining open and natural spaces for exercise, exploration, and relaxation.

Elements on display in the exhibit are present in schoolyards across the country and can easily be replicated. Displays will include edible gardens, energy and water systems, solar technologies, wildlife habitat gardens, green roofs, and green building materials.

Sustainable Schoolyard is part of the U.S. Botanic Garden's larger exhibit One Planet—Ours. Information about Sustainable Schoolyard is available at www.sustainableschoolyard.org. Special events including a panel discussion about greening schoolyards will be held throughout the summer.

APA is part of the Friends of Smart Growth and Sustainable Communities presenting Sustainable Schoolyard. Other participating organizations include: American Farmland Trust; Concern, Inc.; National Association of Counties; National Association of Realtors; The Conservation Fund; The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education; and The Smart Growth Network.

Contact

Roberta Rewers, APA, 312-786-6395; rrewers@planning.org