Bridges Academy is one of Oakland’s public schools located in a low-income neighborhood that currently suffers from inequality and negative environmental health impacts. The schools serves a diverse community of approximately 460 elementary-age students, their parents, and teachers.

 

The Trust for Public Land hired BASE Landscape to redesign the schoolyard for outdoor play, learning and dining, and to create a vibrant environment that brings nature closer to the classroom. By incorporating over sixty newly planted trees to the campus, BASE's design addresses stormwater management, mitigates excessive heat and sun exposure in the yard, and helps reduce air pollution from nearby roads and highways. The improved yard have a fully refurbished playground with a new play structure, nature play area, a small soccer field and basketball court, a painted labyrinth, and two outdoor classrooms.

 

The project was funded through the Urban Greening Grant from the California Natural Resources Agency and Prop 68 Statewide Park Program secured by the Trust for Public Land.  

client. Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District

team. BASE Landscape Architecture

         Noll & Tam Architects

         BKF Engineers 

         RIJA Engineering

         KPW

year completed. 2024

size. 2.3 acres

scope.  Concept through CD + CA

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