The South Bronx faces some of the most severe environmental and public health inequities in the United States. Surrounded by highways, truck routes, and industrial uses, the neighborhood experiences high levels of air pollution, limited tree canopy, and scarce open space—contributing to some of the nation’s highest childhood asthma rates. Schools near major roadways expose students to daily environmental stressors that affect health and learning, making green infrastructure and access to nature critical priorities. The renovation of the schoolyard at P.S. 306/M.S. 331 in Morris Heights transforms a flood-prone asphalt playground into a vibrant, climate-resilient landscape for students and the broader community. The redesigned site now captures and infiltrates approximately 2 million gallons of stormwater annually, reducing neighborhood flooding and improving water quality in the East River and New York Harbor. Identified as highly heat-vulnerable, the site previously experienced temperatures averaging 12.5 degrees higher than the citywide average. The new design addresses this through shade trees, permeable paving, planting areas, and a synthetic turf field that doubles as a subsurface detention system. A bioswale and enhanced soils further support stormwater management and tree health. These interventions increase shade by 15 percent today and are projected to achieve 40 percent canopy cover within ten years. Central to the project is a student-led design process. Through participatory workshops, students act as “junior landscape architects,” analyzing the site and developing design proposals. Their ideas informed final elements, including play features and artwork integrated into the space. By combining climate-responsive design with community engagement, the project advances environmental justice and creates a healthier, more resilient school environment.
