Atlanta Community School Parks Initiative aims to re-imagine how children learn and play

Atlanta Community School Parks Initiative aims to transform playgrounds into play spaces that spark joy and promote outdoor learning. (Courtesy of Myles Tan)

Atlanta Public Schools, the City of Atlanta and their nonprofit partners are working together to reimagine how children learn and play. They are doing this through the Atlanta Community School Parks Initiative.

The partnership aims to transform playgrounds into play spaces that spark joy and promote outdoor learning. Barack and Michelle Obama Academy is one of six Atlanta Public Schools that’s slated to receive a new nature play installation. Students help design the play areas, and people who live in the school’s community can access the play areas.

On Friday’s edition of “Closer Look,” show host Rose Scott talks with Dr. Robin Christian, the principal at Barack and Michelle Obama Academy, Sarah Millgan-Toffler, the president and CEO of  Children & Nature Network, and Lysa Ratliff, the CEO of KABOOM!.

The guests discuss the initiative and the importance of having a safe and fun place for children to explore and how it supports healthy mental and physical development and academic achievement.

Editor’s Note of disclosure: Atlanta Public Schools holds WABE’s broadcast license.