AUSTIN, CHICAGO — A West Side elementary school has turned a long-standing flooding challenge into a model of green infrastructure and student wellness. Spencer Technology Academy, located at 214 N. Lavergne Ave., officially unveiled a new flood-resistant playground last Friday that combines recreational upgrades with stormwater management innovations.
The playground features not just typical schoolyard equipment but also permeable surfaces, rainwater gardens, and green stormwater infrastructure capable of holding over 190,000 gallons of water during major storms.
From Playground To Rain Catchment System
The new schoolyard design is part of the Space to Grow initiative, a collaboration led by Healthy Schools Campaign and Openlands that focuses on greening schools across the South and West sides of Chicago. The playground includes:
- A multisport court
- A nature play area
- Interactive musical instruments
- Colorful gardens and seating areas
Michael Davidson, president and CEO of Openlands, said the space is “designed to support learning, play and a deeper connection to the natural world.”
From Vandalism To Vibrancy
According to Principal Frances Thibodeaux-Fox, the former playground had been plagued by graffiti and vandalism, including gang activity and burned equipment.
“To actually see the grounds transform from a broken-up playground space… there’s so many different activities that the students can involve themselves with now,” she said.
The transformation now provides students a safe place for recreation, learning, and peer interaction, while serving as a resilient infrastructure solution.
How It Works: Chicago’s Stormwater Solution
The playground uses permeable pavement and layered gravel systems to absorb rainwater, preventing runoff from overwhelming city sewers. These features mimic natural ecosystems by allowing water to:
- Infiltrate through soil layers
- Flow into underground chambers
- Slowly release into the ground, reducing flooding risk
These types of schoolyards have become increasingly critical in the wake of historic flooding in 2023, when up to 9 inches of rain fell on Chicago in just 24 hours. In Austin alone, nearly one in four homes suffered severe water damage.
Citywide Impact: More Than Just One School
Spencer Technology Academy is now the 36th Chicago school to receive a storm-ready playground under the Space to Grow program. It’s also the third school in Austin, following George Leland and Henry H. Nash Elementary Schools.
Collectively, these 36 playgrounds are capable of holding up to 7 million gallons of water, according to a report from the Healthy Schools Campaign.
This upgrade symbolizes a broader push for environmental justice and infrastructure equity in historically underserved neighborhoods like Austin.
Have you or your community experienced flooding near schools or parks? What kind of green solutions would you like to see across Chicago neighborhoods? Drop your thoughts in the comments — your voice matters.
