Open Road: creating public places and programs with the NYC Departments of Education and Parks since 1990
Concept for discussion: PS 20 & Urban Assembly Academy of Arts and Letters (above). Begin in the small schoolyard; paint murals on the ground, work on the garden, add seating and simple play sculptures.
Above: ground murals and play sculptures. Photos: Liveable Streets, Spohn Ranch, California Landscape.
Above: seating, play sculptures, climbers. Photos: California Landscape, Spohn Ranch, Great Kids Spaces.
Above: play gardens and outdoor classrooms. Photos: Paula Hewitt
Students move 3D model pieces on scale model, Open Road Park, Manhattan, before and after. Photos PH. Open Road projects are open to the public after school hours, and we work on the design of new areas with student involvement in the design process, under supervision of school principals or designated staff. Materials meet NYC Departments of Education, Parks, and Transportation standards. Play sculptures and murals are temporary art that is moveable as needs change. Principals and custodians approve all designs before installation begins. We submit designs to the city, secure permits/installation insurance, and raise funds for design and installation at no cost to the school. Schools allow their students, teachers, parents & the community to contribute to the design process and allow public access to their playground after school hours.