This bill would create a federal grant program run by the Secretary of Education to help public elementary and secondary schools turn outdoor spaces into "revitalized schoolyards." Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, educational service agencies, and nonprofit groups working with schools. The bill defines a revitalized schoolyard as a park-like outdoor area updated to strengthen local ecology, provide hands-on learning, and support nature play and social use. Grants are awarded in two-year cohorts: a planning grant in year one to develop a concept plan and an implementation grant in year two to carry out the plan if the Secretary approves viability.
The program sets program rules such as a 5 percent reservation of funds for Bureau of Indian Education and Tribal schools via the Department of the Interior; 30 percent of remaining funds for planning grants and 70 percent for implementation grants; a total per-entity grant cap of $1,000,000; and planning and implementation grants each limited to up to 2 years (up to 4 years total). The bill requires concept plans to address ecology, learning goals, health goals, ADA accessibility, site sizes, cost estimates, community partners, long-term maintenance plans, and design elements like trees, gardens, stormwater management, and natural playgrounds. It also creates a clearinghouse of examples and best practices and authorizes appropriations as needed for fiscal years 2027–2031.
If you are a school district, educational service agency, or a nonprofit partnering with a district, you could apply for planning and implementation grants to redesign school outdoor spaces. Applications must include a concept plan and community input. Schools serving many low-income students or those with low tree canopy or flood/heat vulnerability are given priority. Grants may allow shared public use of schoolyards during daylight hours. Some funds can pay for professional development and staff to support outdoor learning, and up to 10 percent of planning grants may pay a grant writer or consultant.
The bill "authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary" for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. No publicly available information on a total dollar amount is provided in the bill text. The bill does specify program financial rules: a 5 percent reservation for Bureau of Indian Education and Tribal schools; 30 percent of remaining funds for planning grants and 70 percent for implementation grants; a per-entity maximum award of $1,000,000; and a required non-Federal match of 20 percent for implementation grants (with waivers for high-poverty or Tribal-serving grantees). Planning and implementation grants may each run up to 2 years, and the Secretary may reallocate unused funds or make additional awards according to set priorities.
The sponsors introduced the bill to authorize grants that help update school outdoor spaces into park-like areas that strengthen ecological systems, provide hands-on learning resources, foster nature play, and enhance health and well-being. The bill emphasizes community involvement in design, accessibility, and prioritizing schools with high student need or environmental vulnerability. It also creates a clearinghouse to share examples and best practices.
No publicly available information.