Our Chicago: Space To Grow
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Across Chicago, numerous school playgrounds serve dual purposes: offering kids a place to play while also tackling climate change challenges, such as managing excessive rainfall that can cause flooding.

A prime example is at Brown Community Academy in West Pullman, which was completed in May. This summer, Space to Grow is extending its efforts to revamp five additional locations.

The initiative zeroes in on areas historically lacking investment. Jennifer Tani, President and CEO of the Healthy Schools Campaign, oversees the Space to Grow program. “We target schools located in areas prone to severe flooding. The south and west sides of Chicago usually suffer the most from heavy rains and have insufficient green spaces,” Tani explains. “Our goal is to identify schools based on equity and flood risk to receive new playground developments.”

She says “Green spaces act as sponges during those heavy rain storms. But many places have been paved over with a lack of reinvestment in green space.” Rain gardens, native plants with deeper roots to absorb more water, edible gardens and underground water storage chambers are some of the tools used in creating these playgrounds. They don’t just help address climate change or provide children and families with a place to get outdoors. The schoolyards are also educational, “We intend for all the schoolyards to be outdoor classrooms for learning. And so, we actually develop lesson plans and work with teachers and do professional development to insure that this learning can extend outside the classroom in science experiments, nutrition education, understanding climate education as well.”

Part 1:

Jennifer Tani, is the President and CEO of the Healthy Schools Campaign.

Part 2:

Jennifer Tani, is the President and CEO of the Healthy Schools Campaign.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Elmhurst flooding today: Storm brings heavy rain to west suburb, floods buildings, homes and streets, prompting road closures

Severe Storms Hit Elmhurst: Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Homes and Streets, Leading to Road Closures in West Suburb

ELMHURST, Ill. (WLS) — Storms brought gusty winds, lightning and heavy rain…
Coast Guard on boats

Unlawful Migrant Influx Hits US Shores Amid Coast Guard’s Struggles with Rising Numbers Under Biden Administration

The increase in illegal immigration via boats under the Biden administration has…
What to know about the trial of a Colorado dentist accused of poisoning his wife

Key Information on the Trial of a Colorado Dentist Accused of Poisoning His Wife

DENVER (AP) — The trial of James Craig, a Colorado dentist accused…
South Chicago crime: Chicago Police Department issues warning about armed robbery incidents in South Side neighborhood

South Chicago Crime Update: Police Alert Residents About Armed Robberies in South Side Neighborhood

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police are warning South Side residents about a…
Live | Day 2: Jacksonville rapper Ksoo's murder trial continues

Murder Trial of Jacksonville Rapper Ksoo Moves Forward

Jacksonville rapper Hakeem Robinson, known by his stage name Ksoo, is being…
Cancer survivor reveals fitness trick as he swims 10K across Long Island Sound

Cancer survivor shares fitness secret after completing 10K swim across Long Island Sound

The Long Island Sound stretches a whopping 110 miles, from New York…
Cincinnati mayoral candidate, VP Vance's half-brother, slams city leadership after brutal beatdown

Cincinnati Mayoral Contender, Half-brother of VP Vance, Criticizes City Officials Following Violent Assault

CINCINNATI – A contender for Cincinnati’s mayoral position criticized the city’s administration…
Romeoville teen Langston Britton from Community Christian Church remembered after Silver Birch Ranch drowning in White Lake, WI

Remembering Langston Britton, Romeoville Teen from Community Christian Church, After Tragic Drowning at Silver Birch Ranch in White Lake, WI

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — A planned five-day trip to a church camp…
Travis Kelce debuts dramatic haircut at Chiefs training camp

Travis Kelce Unveils Bold New Hairstyle at Chiefs Training Camp

It was time for a change for Travis Kelce. The four-time First-Team…
DCPS teacher charged with felony domestic battery by strangulation

DCPS Teacher Faces Felony Charges for Domestic Strangulation

26-year-old Gustavo Guzman was a Terry Parker High School biology teacher and…
Brian Daboll grows heated over Giants' training camp penalty flags

Brian Daboll Sounds Off on Penalty Issues at Giants’ Training Camp

Observations from the Giants’ training camp on Monday: Green’s Day CB Art…
Multiple people killed in mass shooting incident at Bangkok market: police

Several individuals dead in Bangkok market mass shooting, report police

Multiple people were shot and killed at a market in the Thai…