Photo_6554189_DJI_589_jpg_4416627_0_2022104172010_photo_original.jpg.jpg

Photo_6553737_DJI_137_jpg_4908169_0_2022615104252_photo_original.jpg.jpg

(left) Before Transformation, (right) After Transformation

Before Construction Began

Drone footage taken of the schoolyard during conceptual planning in 2020

Transformed Schoolyard

Drone footage taken after major reconstruction in summer 2022

Conceptual Rendering of the Schoolyard

Zablocki Student Dr. Suess Day

Student's Enjoying Environmental Education

Native Plants Manage Stormwater

Native plants and trees are just part of the overall water management plan for Zablocki.

Creating walking Paths

Contractors work to create ADA accessible walking paths throughout the schoolyard

Asphalt Removal

Roughly 21,475 square feet of asphalt was removed from Zablocki

Over $4.4 million was raised in 2021 to support the transformative schoolyard redevelopment projects at Zablocki 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.

Zablocki’s conceptual plan called for the removal of approximately 21,475 sq. ft. of asphalt and replacing it with new green space and mixed-use recreation and educational areas. The design included a nature play 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 57,743 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.

Green Team Documents & Resources

Plans-in-Progress / Planes en progreso

Meeting Minutes / Actas de la reunión

Project Folder / Project Folder

Vision in a Nutshell

Zablocki Elementary School
1016 W. Oklahoma Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53215

SCHOOL SNAPSHOT

Grades: K4 through 5th
327 students
91% economically disadvantaged

TIMELINE

2020
Conceptual Design

2021
Fundraising

2022
Detailed Design, Permitting, & Construction

2023+
Maintenance & Stewardship

CONTACT INFORMATION

Gregory Coleman – Principal / Director
Zablocki Elementary School
colemagm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Ludys Ebratt – Community School Coordinator / Coordinadora de escuela comunitaria
Zablocki Elementary School
ebrattl@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

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

“I am very excited that Zablocki was chosen for the redevelopment project. I have seen the results of a green playground at Longfellow Elementary School and they are amazing. I appreciate that the school has involved the parents in this process. I feel that once this project is completed, the schoolyard will get more use than it already has–especially since it’s on the Milwaukee County’s Oak Leaf Trail route.”

Clarissa Morales – Grandparent, Volunteer, and Polonia Neighborhood Resident