Hosted by: Metropolitan Planning Council
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Please join the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) in celebrating Space to Grow, an innovative partnership which was honored with the 2018 Burnham Award for Excellence in Planning for their efforts to transform Chicago schoolyards into beautiful and functional outdoor spaces to play, learn and garden while reducing neighborhood flooding.
On March 14th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Concrete Cowboy, we’ll hear from members of the partnership about how the program was inspired by doing something to benefit kids, neighborhoods and the environment, and what elements were required to forge innovative alliances that have worked to transform Chicago schoolyards.
Space to Grow uses a unique funding model that brings together capital funds and leadership from the Chicago Department of Water Management, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and Chicago Public Schools. Nonprofit partners Healthy Schools Campaign and Openlands manage the partnership and provide support to schools, ensuring each community is engaged in the schoolyard design process, increasing daily access to nature for all people, and helping to build a culture of wellness in schools and communities. Space to Grow aims to expand its reach in Chicago, and it serves as a model for green schoolyards across the nation.
Register Today
MPC thanks The Lakota Group for generously sponsoring this event.
This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Space is limited and this event is expected to sell out, so please secure your spot as soon as possible.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by a brief program at 6 p.m. Beverages and light bar snacks will be provided.
About the Burnham Award
Since 1988, MPC’s Burnham Award for Excellence in Planning—named in honor of Daniel H. Burnham, creator of the 1909 Plan of Chicago—has encouraged sensible growth by honoring innovative and visionary plans that have been implemented in the Chicago metropolitan region.