Many parents and staff members emphasized the importance of shade, describing the discomfort children face on hot days and calling for both more trees and covered areas to protect students from the sun. They also expressed a strong desire to replace or reduce the asphalt with grass or other cooler, softer surfaces, so that children can play more freely without worrying about burns or excessive heat. Another key point was the idea of adding gardens or planting spaces—whether for vegetables, flowers, or both—so students could engage in hands-on learning and gain a greater appreciation for nature.

Alongside these green elements, respondents hoped the playground would offer natural play features, such as logs or tunnels, and include seating areas for both relaxation and outdoor lessons. Several people also highlighted the need for careful planning to ensure everything remains safe, well-maintained, and accessible to all students.

Overall, the responses paint a vision of a cooler, more inviting, and educational environment that fosters interaction with nature while keeping children comfortable and engaged.

Several people worried about losing the flexibility that asphalt provides for different types of play, although they wondered if there might be a low-water natural surface that could offer a similar benefit. Others proposed reimagining the bulky fence around the campus—perhaps with a retractable design that opens on weekends and closes during school hours—while recognizing that the cost and logistics could be significant. A handful of respondents expressed no concerns, feeling that more greenery would be a net positive for students and the wider community, particularly for outdoor education. Still, many underscored the need for broad consensus among administrators, teachers, and parents, especially in light of questions about whether a more open campus might attract unhoused residents, how to manage potential allergic reactions to certain plants, and what to do about safety issues related to taller trees.

A recurring worry involved funding and upkeep: multiple people asked who would maintain the new spaces over the summer and whether the budget would accommodate regular watering, mowing, or pruning. Some stressed urgency, describing how children currently endure direct sun while lining up on the asphalt, and hoped that any new trees would be substantial enough to offer shade quickly. There were also concerns that if the school overdesigned the space—by adding too many decorative or “interpretive” features—it might lose the open, natural feel that many desire. Nevertheless, most saw the greening effort as a valuable investment in the campus, provided maintenance, security, and students’ day-to-day access can all be appropriately addressed.

The main worry from everyone is how to take care of the green schoolyard. Teachers are excited about having a space open on weekends but worry about who will water and mow the lawn, especially with a small budget. Administrators mentioned a few issues with keeping an eye on the space, and some also noted maintenance might be a problem. Parents were very focused on keeping the area clean and tidy—especially dealing with trash—and suggested ideas like using plants that don't need a lot of water and even having students help out. Overall, people like the idea, but they are concerned about who will do the work to keep it looking good.