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The Problem
The Problem
Elementary school campuses in Porterville face increasing heat exposure, limited shade, and minimal green infrastructure. In California's Central Valley, these conditions directly impact students' ability to safely learn and play outdoors.
Our Solution
Our Solution
The Green Schoolyards initiative focused on designing and implementing sustainable campus improvements that increase shade, improve outdoor learning environments, and support student well-being. Our work included sustainable playgrounds, drought-tolerant landscaping, shaded outdoor classrooms, walking trails, hydration stations, and expanded green spaces. We created environments that support both learning and long-term environmental resilience.
Completed Site Example
Belleview Elementary, featuring a shaded play structure, hydration station and new trees being grown to provide future shading.
Our Approach
Our Approach
Through the CAPS internship program, 10 student interns were assigned to five elementary school campuses within the Porterville Unified School District. Working in pairs, we developed site-specific design plans that included:
New shading trees
Drought-tolerant landscaping
Hydration stations
Outdoor classroom spaces
A decomposed granite walking trail along playing fields
Each design was tailored to the specific needs and layout of its assigned school site.
Beyond The Playground
Beyond The Playground
While playground improvements were a visible part of the project, the Green Schoolyards initiative focused on transforming entire campuses. By integrating landscaping, outdoor learning spaces, and sustainable design elements, we created environments that support education, health, and environmental awareness.
Examples of campus-wide improvements beyond playground structures
Design & Construction Process
Design & Construction Process
In addition to developing design plans, we learned about the DSA approval process and project bidding systems. Our designs moved beyond planning into real construction, allowing us to document progress from initial site preparation to final installation. This experience allowed us to connect classroom learning with real-world implementation.
Project Implementation
Project Implementation
Through the CAPS internship program, student interns collaborated with Porterville Unified School District, CAL FIRE, and community partners to bring these designs to life. We used professional design software, including Canva, SketchUp, and Bluebeam, to develop and present our plans to district staff and community partners.
Key Milestones & Achievements
Key Milestones & Achievements
Completion of two fully redesigned school campuses
Participation in ribbon-cutting ceremonies at Doyle and Belleview
Recognition from school district leaders, community partners, and government representatives
Presentations at professional development (PD) sessions for teachers
Twenty-four outdoor learning plans created for classroom use
Project in Action
Project in Action
Before Construction
During Construction
After Construction
Project Impact & Expansion
Project Impact & Expansion
Construction has been completed at John J. Doyle Elementary, Belleview Elementary, and Olive Elementary, with improvements now in active use by students. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held to celebrate completion, where interns were recognized by school district leaders, community partners, CAL FIRE, and local representatives.
Construction is currently underway at West Putnam Elementary and is planned to begin at Santa Fe Elementary, continuing the expansion of the project and extending its impact to additional campuses. Both of these final campuses are expected to be completed by September 2026.
These improvements help to reduce water usage by replacing traditional turf with drought-tolerant landscaping, which conserves resources while supporting local ecosystems for birds and insects.
Community Impact
Community Impact
This project demonstrates how student leadership, public funding, and community collaboration can address real-world environmental challenges. By improving outdoor learning environments and integrating sustainable landscape design, the Green Schoolyards initiative enhances student experiences while promoting long-term environmental resilience and civic engagement.
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