Across New York City, thousands of students have played a crucial role in transforming dull asphalt schoolyards into dynamic outdoor spaces tailored to their preferences and needs. Since 2002, the Community Schoolyards program, a collaborative effort led by the Trust for Public Land along with city education and environmental officials, has supported children in designing and helping to build 225 playgrounds throughout the city. The initiative has leveraged nearly $200 million in funding from government sources and private donations.

The program engages students as junior landscape architects, guiding them through a hands-on process to envision and plan improvements. Pupils begin by creating wish lists featuring items ranging from fanciful ideas like chocolate fountains and koi ponds to more conventional playground equipment. They then narrow these ideas through practical considerations, mapping out the space and incorporating input from teachers, parents, and neighbors, who ultimately vote on the final designs.

The resulting playgrounds are notable for their whimsical yet functional features, reflecting the diverse interests of the children. One middle school in Queens, for example, incorporated an "introvert’s corner"—a quiet area with a gazebo and plants designed for students seeking a peaceful place to read away from the play zones.

Among the standout playgrounds are several that showcase how children’s perspectives have influenced design choices to foster inclusivity and creativity:

In the Bronx, a pink-painted half of a basketball court was introduced to provide girls with a space where they feel comfortable playing without the pressure of competition from boys occupying the courts. While the pink court remains open to all, the girls say that having their own distinctive area boosts their confidence and fosters a sense of ownership.

At North Hills School in Queens, students inspired by a popular fantasy series installed two life-size chessboards, allowing players to physically engage with the game on a larger, more immersive scale. While the oversized pieces sometimes require maintenance due to wear, the feature has become a popular gathering spot.

In Harlem, a playground designed seating specifically for hair braiding reflects cultural practices important to many students. The tiered steel benches accommodate this activity while also doubling as a stage for performances or a set for play, illustrating the multifunctional nature of the installations.

A “floor is lava” themed obstacle course in a Bedford-Stuyvesant playground combines imaginative play with physical activity. Featuring a volcano mural and lava flowing around seating and chess tables, the design serves as a social icebreaker that encourages students to engage with one another through group play.

The Emanuel Kaplan School in Woodside created mushroom-inspired stepping stools paying homage to the neighborhood’s woodland past. These stools offer both resting spots and playful structures for jumping games.

Finally, at Pacific School in Brooklyn, while students initially wished for a petting zoo, they settled on a pollinator garden featuring monarch butterflies and bees. The garden is cared for by a student group called Team Tomato and involves the whole school community. The initiative helps teach children about nature and sustainability in an engaging, hands-on environment.

These playgrounds have become year-round community hubs that reflect the voices of the children who use them, blending creativity with practical design to enhance urban play spaces across New York City.