We will open schoolyards as playgrounds in every neighborhood
Although East Flatbush lacks traditional sources of open space, opportunities to create greener streets and active playgrounds exist. (See case study: History of Jointly Operated Playgrounds)

On a recent afternoon, the tall metal gates of P.S. 135 were open long after classes had ended, revealing a large schoolyard encircled by a silver chain-link fence. More than 20 teenagers were gathered, some playing, others looping their fingers through the links in the fence, peering in and awaiting their turn. The rest of the space sat empty and unused.

There are four schoolyards in the neighborhood that are currently underutilized. Some lock their gates when the school day ends. Others offer minimal equipment to the community. These school yards, some of which are closed all summer, every weekend, and every evening, offer the best opportunity for turning an existing, underused space into a vital community resource.

Of the 290 underutilized schoolyards in neighborhoods that lack open space, 69 of them could be opened tomorrow; simply unlocking the gates will open an equipped, playground-a long overdue solution. The other sites would require new investments-such as play equipment, greenery, or asphalt sports fields-to make them attractive as play space. Some of these sites could be opened as early as 2008. (See table above: Inventory of Schoolyards-to-Playgrounds)

These playgrounds could provide proper play space for more than 360,000 children by 2030. But expanded access would not be the only benefit. In 2000, there were 97 neighborhoods with more than the accepted standard of 1,250 children per playground; in fact, on average these underserved neighborhoods have almost 2,100 children for each playground. By opening these playgrounds that number would drop to 1,260 children per playground. (See map on facing page: Current Playground Access and Proposed Schoolyard-to-Playground Sites)

These new playgrounds will offer children something more than the asphalt expanses that often serve as schoolyards today. Although each site will be evaluated individually, modest investments could turn faded concrete courts into an outdoor exercise center; a junior soccer field, or a walking/jogging course. Trees could bring life and greenery into the playgrounds.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
On July 2, the Administration opened 69 schoolyards as playgrounds, completing the commitment to open all Category 1 sites, and to date has completed construction on the first three schoolyard sites in need of renovation. The City has completed designs for an additional 32 schoolyard sites and will begin capital reconstruction of them this summer. By the end of 2008, the City will design an additional 20 schoolyards and will begin their capital improvements. The Administration assigned another 109 sites to four consultants who will schedule outreach plans for community meetings and design days.