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(left) Before Transition, (right) After Transition

Before Construction

Drone footage of Neeskara school yard taken during conceptual planning in 2020

Transformed School Yard

Drone footage taken after major reconstruction in summer 2022

Conceptual Rendering of the Schoolyard

A Rare Find

Old toy cars were found in a storage cabinet that hadn’t been open in decades

Bioswale in Action

Bioswale after a hard rain, filled with water

Relics from the Past

Old bikes and car toys found in a storage cabinet that hadn’t been opened in decades on the schoolyard

Over $4.4 million was raised in 2021 to support the transformative schoolyard redevelopment projects at Neeskara Elementary and four other MPS Schools. These holistic redevelopment projects remove large amounts of asphalt and replace it with green infrastructure, outdoor classrooms, school gardens, and improved recreational facilities to create vibrant, sustainable, educational learning environments that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits for the community.

Neeskara’s conceptual plan called for the removal of approximately 36,552 sq. ft. of asphalt and replacing it with new green space and mixed-use recreation and educational areas. The design included an outdoor classroom area and green infrastructure features including bioswales and a large underground cistern. Additionally, the inclusion of a variety of native plants, allow for unique spaces on the schoolyard that can represent natural Wisconsin ecosystems. The plan manages approximately 84,119 gallons of stormwater per rain event.

The Plan

Review the school’s conceptual plan and summary brochure in greater detail, including designs, cost estimates, curricular connections, and maintenance considerations.

Vision in a Nutshell

Neeskara Elementary School
1601 N. Hawley Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53208

SCHOOL SNAPSHOT

Grades: K4 through 5th
384 students
85% economically disadvantaged

TIMELINE

2020
Conceptual Design

2021
Fundraising

2022
Detailed Design, Permitting, & Construction

2023+
Maintenance & Stewardship

CONTACT INFORMATION

Erick Owens – Principal
Neeskara School
owensel@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Lisa Schnell – Early Childhood Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Neeskara School
schnellr@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Justin Hegarty
Executive Director, Reflo - Sustainable Water Solutions
justin.hegarty@refloh2o.com

“I think this playground plan is great because it needs a change. I am most excited about the meditation garden because I really like flowers. I will also sit there and just breathe.”

Alana D. – 4th Grade Student