Blackstone Schoolyard, Boston Schoolyard Initiative, South End, Boston, MA

The Blackstone Schoolyard is located in Boston’s South End neighborhood and is a large space on three levels originally designed in the 1970s. The design team worked with the existing framework of ramps, steps, and levels to create better connections throughout the site and to introduce more greenery and color. Existing ramps were brought up to code, walls repaired and others eliminated to open up the space and enhance security. Circulation from the adjacent Community Center and parking areas was addressed in the location of fencing and gates.

Two new play structures occupy one side of the central paved space. The structure for younger children was designed with teacher input to address the needs of the school’s disabled children. An enclosed student garden occupies a sheltered spot on the lowest level of the site and features terraced planters and wheelchair accessible beds.

Other improvements include new lawn areas, tree plantings, new steel picket fencing and steel gates that allow the schoolyard to be secured after dark.