Spurred by decades of failed attempts to revive its failing sports field, the Howard community banded together with the TDSB to put a multi-year plan in place to overhaul The School Yard at Howard Public School.
Our plan will create more imaginative play space, a larger, rebuilt basketball area, increased seating, enhanced sport courts, a running track, and a new accessible outdoor classroom. It is an inclusive, bold, and exciting plan.
Imagine an outdoor classroom, increased opportunities for imaginative play, shaded seating, expanded basketball courts, a more accessible, inclusive play space. With your help, we can make it happen.
THE
CONSULTATION
In 2018/19, Howard administrators led a broad consultation on the future of the school yard. This involved input from teachers, parents, and students.
We heard the Howard community wanted the following improvements:
THE
CONSULTATION
In 2018/19, Howard administrators led a broad consultation on the future of the school yard. This involved input from teachers, parents, and students.
We heard the Howard community wanted the following improvements:
Children learn through play. Outdoor play is a key pillar in this learning. The space for play must be safe.
In Summer 2020, based on the results of our fundraising campaign, landscape architects will begin sketching a detailed plan.
The School Yard will provide increased opportunities for imaginative play, interaction, sports, adventure, and collaboration. Depending on the amount of money raised, it could feature fully redesigned basketball courts, new sport courts, revitalized cove area in the northwest corner, a new outdoor classroom, a new running track, and a brand new field.
2000
The current play structure is installed.
2000 - 2018
TDSB invests approximately $250,000, to improve Howard’s grass field. Ultimately, all efforts fail.
FALL 2018
TDSB commits to embark on revitalization and planning grant is awarded. Community volunteers to raise funds for School Yard revitalization and participatory design, consultation, and planning process begins.
SPRING/FALL 2019
TDSB identifies Howard's grass field as among the 5 worst in the Board. Steering Committee is asked to find a solution.
MARCH 2020
Ten days after Howard Dance-a-thon fundraiser, COVID-19 strikes, causing the committee to cancel fundraising campaign and scale back targets.
JUNE 2020
We held a Direct Ask Campaign and fundraising ends.
OCTOBER 2020
We are fundraising $50,000 to redo the Cove and add an accessible outdoor classroom.
FALL 2020
Detailed design process
WINTER 2020/21
Project tendered *anticipated
SUMMER 2021
Construction *anticipated
FALL 2021
Construction completed *anticipated
A COMMUNITY
IN THE MAKING
Whether you are a local resident, nearby business, family member or Howard alumnus, corporate decision-maker, or simply a supporter of children; your generosity is needed in order to build the school yard.
Donations over $25 or made online receive a tax receipt. Your generosity will be recognized.
Together, we’re increasing opportunities to grow, play, and connect. We’re transforming Howard’s school yard into a functional, inclusive, and positive space – for our children, our neighbours’ children, and the community at large.
Howard School Yard Revitalization Project
C/O Howard Public School, Home, and School Council Volunteers
30 Marmaduke St. Toronto, ON
Contact
howardschoolyard@gmail.com
Building community, together.
© 2020 Howard School Yard Project.
All rights reserved.