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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

WBEZ: The Space to Grow program creates so-called green playgrounds at Chicago Public Schools that help kids build a connection to the outdoors. It also helps reduce flooding.

Recess was reinstated at Chicago Public Schools in 2011, but playgrounds were often flooded, covered in glass and were an expanse of concrete. But that’s changed thanks to a partnership between the Healthy Schools Campaign and Openlands. The Space to Grow program works with teachers, students and school administrators to dream up what a vibrant outdoor space could look like, how it could foster learning and a connection with the outdoors and reduce flooding.

Reset learns what the Space to Grow program has accomplished in 10 years.

GUESTS: Claire Marcy, Senior Vice President, Healthy Schools Campaign

Emily Zhang, Space to Grow Project Manager, Healthy Schools Campaign

Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor, director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility

Listen to the program

Media Coverage
Events, Stormwater

Established in 1889, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for wastewater treatment and stormwater management in Cook County, Illinois.

 

For more information:

public.affairs@mwrd.org

312-751-6633