PAS Field Revitalization Project: Outdoor Space Reimagined

Go to: ORIGINAL LANDING PAGE WITH HISTORY Go to: COST ESTIMATE
Go to: TIMELINE AND VISION Go to: DESCRIPTION OF PHASE 2: FIELD
Go to: GRANT APPLICATIONS Go to: DESCRIPTION OF PHASE 4: OUTDOOR CLASSROOM 

 

There is an urgent need to restore and reimagine the community space and schoolyard at Penn Alexander School (PAS). The land is 3.5 acres and is beloved by 800 school-age children daily from PAS and the Parent-Infant Center (PIC), an early childhood non-profit co-located on the same campus as well as community members who have no other access to green space. In addition to hosting recess and afterschool programs, the campus is also open to the community before and after recess time, afterschool, evenings, weekends, school holidays, and summer break from mid-June to early September. The gates around the property are not closed until 9:00 PM daily. Additionally, because the PAS schoolyard is one of the few accessible green spaces in this densely populated neighborhood, restoring and sustaining this space is critical for the health and well-being of the community.

 

Administrators and PAS parents are in the process of grant writing and fundraising to make this project a reality. They are in communication with the University of Pennsylvania (property owners), the School District of Philadelphia (lessee), Philadelphia Water Department, government officials, and community members.

 

The project's two goals are to 1) address the unsafe conditions of the barren compacted dirt grounds and 2) redesign the layout to support the capacity of learning and play needed by PAS, PIC, and the community.

 

Want to help or have questions? Contact PAS parent Jessica Moore.

 

timeline and vision

2017

Work began on securing a landscape architecture firm, forming a steering committee, collecting community and student feedback, and creating concept designs to meet the school community's needs. Information about the project is available on the Penn Alexander School's website: Outdoor Conceptual Design.

2018

The master plan was managed and compiled into a comprehensive report by Ground Reconsidered, a local Philadelphia landscape architecture firm with expertise in sustainable landscape architecture and an approved firm for the Philadelphia Water Department. Site history and analysis and a conceptual design was part of the planning. Fundraising began.

2019

A rain garden with wooden walkways was installed, and over one thousand plants were planted by volunteers. Unfortunately most of the plants did not survive, and much more work needs to be done to sustain a successful rain garden.

2020

Many social seating options were purchased. Phase 1 completed: the playground was installed.

2024

Planning resumed for the remaining, incomplete parts of the project. Project leaders from PAS confirmed contacts from University of Pennsylvania (Penn), School District of Philadelphia (SDP), and the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD). The Home and School Association (HSA) board voted and approved saving $100,000 from its reserve funds to go towards the field project.

2025

The HSA board voted and approved saving an additional $150,000 from its reserve funds, for a total of $250,000 to go towards the field project. Many grants submitted. Capital campaign work begins.

2026

Phase 2 goal: Spruce Street (south side) schoolyard restoration.

2027 and beyond

Phase 3 goal: southwest corner rain garden and nature knoll.

Phase 4 goal: Locust Street (northwest corner) outdoor classroom, expanded playground / stage, and west perimeter

cost estimate

Penn Alexander Outdoor Space Reimagined Cost Estimates as of May 2025

 

Cost estimates of the 2018 Concept Design were recently updated by a certified cost estimator. The conceptual design includes all of the items mentioned during the stakeholder engagement process. The idea is that parts of the plan will be implemented over time as funds become available. The costs below reflect contractor pricing. Some of the items, such as planting, can be installed by volunteers. The cost estimate is meant to be used as a tool to guide fund raising.

 

Phase 2: Field, Fitness Equipment, Gaga Pit and Social Seating: $533,670

Natural grass turf (incl. demo, grading, sod) $76,500

Boulders and tall grass plants $70,000

Fitness equipment, gaga pit and social seating $218,437

Design and contingency $168,733

 

Phase 3A: Raingarden $222,338

Soil excavation and amendment (incl. stone drainage, dry river bed, cistern and handpump) $54,063

Boardwalk Extension (bridge) $39,425

Boardwalk bench & steppers $59,475

Plants $69,375

 

Phase 3B: Knoll and Nature Play $183,176

Knoll (incl. wood mulch and equipment) $140,938

Nature Play (incl. giant bird nest with deck base, largely volunteer) $42,238

 

Phase 4A: Outdoor Classroom $277,351

Stone fines pavement (incl. demolition and prep) $37,500

Trellis, garden shed $36,250

Tables $24,925

Garden beds, water system, planting/soil, ramp with handrail $178,676

 

Phase 4B: Extended Playground and Stage $348,710

Ramp, stair, seat walls, safety surface $348,710

 

Main Gateway and Perimeter (includes West Perimeter) $463,821

Artist Pillars (incl. four pillars total) $140,000

New Gates (assumes off-shelf metal picket gates and signage) $51,545

New Fence (assumes 6’ tall steel picket, welded wire) $272,276

 

Miscellaneous $305,372

(incl. stormwater management, irrigation adjustment, erosion and sediment control, mobilization, construction fence, and tree protection fence)

 

Design Fees, Project Management, Contingency $745,243

 

Playground $457,040  Completed 2020

Safety Surface (incl. demolition and prep) $120,605

Seating Area to the East $50,950

Play Equipment $232,005

Planting $53,480

 

Social Seating $35,370  Completed 2018

Star Benches at Main Entrance $7,856

Curved Benches at South PAS $27,514

(incl. soil amendment and planting)

 

Pathway Games $5,200  Completed 2018

(incl. chess/checkers/twister decals and oversized game pieces)

TOTAL AMOUNT NEEDED: $2,334,438 as of May 2025

grant applications

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

In October of 2025, two grants were submitted to the Department of Agriculture. The Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Collaboration Grant Program is a matching grant application for $42,000 for the outdoor learning space (phase 4), and the other is for $7,500 for urban agriculture lessons, related guest speakers, and field-based opportunity for middle school to attend the PA Farm Show. Agriculture lessons aren't included in the district science materials but are a part of the state standards. Decisions to be announced in December 2025, pending PA budget approval. 

DCNR

In May of 2025, a grant was submitted to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). This grant proposal includes all of the projects on the south side of the school building, including the grass field, improved rain garden, fitness course, gaga pit, nature play space, and outdoor learning space. Requested amount: $266,000; amount matched by the HSA. Decision announced in January 2026.

DCED

In May of 2025, a grant was submitted to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) through their Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program (GTRP). This grant proposal includes all of the projects on the south side of the school building, including the grass field, improved rain garden, fitness course, gaga pit, nature play space, and outdoor learning space. Requested amount: $250,000; 15% match required. Decision announced by January 2026.

RACP

In September of 2025, a grant was submitted to Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). This grant proposal includes all of the projects on the north side of the building, including the playground extension / stage plus the nature play space and rain garden. Requested amount: $2,000,000. Decision announced TBD. This grant would cover actual building costs, but not soft costs.

LSA

A Local Share Account grant through DCED is also being explored to help with soft costs.

Complete project description of phase 2

Southside / Spruce Street Schoolyard Area: Field, Fitness Equipment, Gaga Pit, and Social Seating

The schoolyard of the site has deteriorated into barren, hard-packed soil, making it unsafe for play and limiting physical activity and outdoor learning opportunities. There is an urgent need to address these conditions, as over one-third of all nurse visits at PAS result from recess injuries sustained on the field. The uneven, compacted surface increases the risk of falls, sprains, and other preventable injuries, further underscoring the necessity of regrading and restoring the space to ensure student safety.

 

Soil erosion from water run-off has left tree roots exposed which are a tripping hazard and compromise the health of the tree canopy, some of which are over 200 years old. In addition, when it hasn’t rained, the soil becomes very dusty thus exacerbating breathing issues such as asthma. The site has a stormwater management system that was innovative at the time of implementation in 2001 when the site was developed. As part of this plan, the team is consulting with the Philadelphia Water Department to determine if any changes or improvements need to be made to update the system.

 

The PAS campus is currently ADA compliant; however, the route to the South side of the campus is long and circuitous. This project will create a secondary, more direct ADA accessible route from Spruce Street to the grounds and play elements on the South side. UPenn is committed to ensuring the PAS campus is a close-to-home recreational environment for all community members, including those with special needs, disabilities, and neurodivergent learning styles. This is reflected in the play elements, the ground design, and the added accessibility from Spruce Street.

 

This project will directly benefit the school and surrounding community by transforming the eroded and compacted areas into a resilient, functional outdoor space open to the public. By adding organic matter to the soil, regrading the site, improving drainage, and converting degraded areas into durable, usable natural grass turf, PAS will create a sustainable environment that supports student wellness, promotes outdoor education, and provides much-needed recreational space for the neighborhood. The improvements will enhance storm water management, mitigate erosion, reduce heat retention, and increase accessibility, ensuring that students and community members can safely and effectively use the space for years to come.

Key environmentally sustainable aspects of the design include:

  • Regrading and releveling the grounds to direct water runoff into the existing storm water management system.
  • Building up healthy soil to improve infiltration and plant root growth.
  • A defined grass field with a native fescue grass mix and fencing for proper maintenance will add 12,700 square feet of water-absorbing surface.
  • Planting native, no-mow grasses between boulders on the slope reduces the space needed for mowing by 3600 sq. ft. while providing a play element.

  • Planting native plants on the slope enables the science program to use the space for environmental lessons on native plants and sustainable design. Students can also participate in plant identification and removing invasive species.

  • Adding additional play elements minimizes the wear and tear on the maintained grass field.
  • Adding mulch to all flat surfaces along the building will absorb water, cover tree roots, and increase organic matter in the soil. The maintenance protocol also includes mulching fallen leaves instead of hauling them off-site, reducing the carbon emissions associated with hauling.
  • Adding fitness course equipment with a porous safety surface will reduce the amount of grass turf maintenance by 2,300 sq. ft. and address water absorption at the space's lowest elevation, preventing water runoff onto Spruce Street.
  • Developing a low-impact maintenance protocol in partnership with Jeff Fowler, a turf expert with Penn State Extension, and resizing the grass turf from 20,600 sq. ft to 12,700 sq. ft allows us to maintain healthy soils and root growth with fewer annual inputs and costs to UPenn and SDP. 

Key ADA improvements include:

  • Adding an ADA parking spot on Spruce Street.
  • Regrading and releveling the grounds to bury exposed tree roots and providing a level surface around all play elements.
  • Repairing degraded sidewalks.
  • In addition to preparing the grounds for accessible mobility, the added play elements will also be ADA compatible, including:
    • ADA-compliant entry door for the Gaga pit.
    • ADA-compliant safety surface for the fitness course.
    • ADA-compliant picnic tables.
    • Nature-based play element with multi-sensory components.
    • Proper signage.

Complete project description of phase 4A

Locust Street (northwest corner): Outdoor Classroom

Phase 4A will transform the distressed urban school garden into an integrated environment featuring garden beds with locally grown produce, a smart water system, outdoor tables, and garden shed with writing boards—designed to improve urban agriculture infrastructure by facilitating access to fresh foods, as well as hands-on, place-based urban agriculture learning for students and community members alike. This project will transform community access to fresh-food, urban garden practices, outdoor learning, and wellness activities, while reinforcing the school’s role as a neighborhood anchor. The result is a tangible improvement in urban agriculture infrastructure, equity, health, ecological awareness, and social connection for West Philadelphia residents.

 

The garden is a central component of the school community’s access to fresh produce and serves as a teaching, growing, and gathering space for students and neighborhood families. Through hands-on lessons integrated into the school’s science and environmental curriculum, students learn about soil health, plant life cycles, pollinators, composting, and sustainable food production.


During the summer months, the school’s Adopt-a-Garden program extends this learning and engagement beyond the classroom. Families from the school and surrounding neighborhood volunteer to maintain the raised garden beds, ensuring continuous care of the crops. In exchange, they share in the harvest—receiving fresh produce grown on-site. This mutually beneficial arrangement strengthens community ties and reduces food insecurity.


The project scope includes adding an outdoor classroom defined by a wood trellis, a new garden shed to store tools, equipment, and supplies; and an extension of water access with smart water sensors to the garden from the building.

 

The current shed is in disrepair and at the end of its life. The “green roof” is sagging, the ramp is falling apart, and though the roof has been repaired and maintained, it still has many holes in the eaves where animals come in to make their homes. The gutter system for the rain barrels is non-functional, serving as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. A new shed will provide a hub for outdoor learning, housing essential equipment for community and teacher use.

 

The current water access system is inadequate. It is too far from the garden beds, and some of the native plants never get watered due to the distance. We have a single hose bib near the library, which is insufficient to provide water to the entire garden via a sprinkler system. Adding a vertical outdoor water spigot with double taps directly in the garden area would greatly improve crop yield and allow children to participate more fully in garden activities.

 

This project demonstrates innovation in urban agriculture by integrating agricultural technology (Ag-Tech) and research partnerships to create a data-driven, educational growing environment in a dense urban setting. The project incorporates soil health monitoring and water management systems that enhance crop productivity, conserve resources, and serve as hands-on learning tools for students. In collaboration with the Pasa Sustainable Agriculture network and the Cornell Soil Health Benchmark Study, the school will conduct annual soil testing and benchmarking to measure organic matter, nutrient levels, and biological activity. These data will help students understand the relationship between soil health, climate resilience, and food system sustainability. Water sensors will be installed to monitor real-time soil moisture, allowing the school to fine-tune irrigation, reduce water waste, and improve crop yield while teaching students principles of precision agriculture.

 

An outdoor classroom for the Penn Alexander garden is crucial because it provides students with a structured, dedicated environment to engage in hands-on learning experiences that incorporate agricultural, ecological, and nutrition-based concepts. While the school excels academically, many of its students—particularly those from economically disadvantaged households—lack regular access to green spaces or opportunities to learn where food comes from and how it grows. The outdoor classroom ensures that agricultural and environmental education is conducted in a space conducive to learning with seating, shade, and accessible design, allowing all students to participate fully.

 

This project is intentionally designed to be equitable and inclusive, featuring universal accessibility (ADA-compliant seating and paths), culturally responsive programming that connects food traditions to the diverse communities served by Penn Alexander, and opportunities for both younger and older students to take leadership roles in garden care.