Project Overview
The Mary Lyon Elementary project is an award winning replacement elementary school in Tacoma. Fora was tasked with site planning, green schoolyard and play design for the project. Because the site is one of the smallest school sites in the District, the team had to pack a lot of activities into a compact area. We worked with the team and community to transform the site into an exciting campus that embraces nature, art and community. Outdoor learning areas, nature and gardening elements, inviting community plazas and play areas are blended together. Art, rain gardens and play striping are used as educational moments to tell the story of the water cycle and features of the nearby Commencement Bay. Community engagement in planning and designing the new schoolyard was critical in the success of the outdoor spaces.
