SCHOOLYARD RENDERINGS produced by UWM’s Community Design Solutions
In 2024, Story Elementary School celebrated the major construction of their Green & Healthy Schoolyard—in this space previously dominated by impervious asphalt. Through a three-year, multi-phase process, students, community members, partners, and other stakeholders worked together to design this project and raise funds to make their shared vision real. This intentionally holistic approach resulted in green infrastructure for stormwater management, outdoor education spaces, enhanced recreation amenities, and a revitalized schoolyard that fosters curricular connections, play, and a deeper connection with nature. Story Elementary School’s plans to manage approximately 120,390 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.
TIMELINE
2022
Conceptual Design
2023
Fundraising
2024
Detailed Design, Permitting, & Construction
2025+
Maintenance & Stewardship
Story Elementary School
3815 W Kilbourn Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53208
CONTACT INFORMATION
Chareese Morris
Principal
Story Elementary School
cashcs@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Marcella Horvath
3rd Grade Teacher
Story Elementary School
lopezm3@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Lisa Neeb
Green & Healthy Schools Program Manager
Reflo - Sustainable Water Solutions
lisa.neeb@RefloH2o.com
It will be refreshing to have a more interactive schoolyard where children can engage in meaningful outdoor learning and play activities. The greener environment will help students with self-regulation and build social-emotional learning skills with the opportunity to participate in activities that fit their individual needs and interests.
- Kendra Spain, 5th Grade Teacher
Learn more about the other four schools in cohort 6
