The Schoolyard, Our Community Crown Jewel

A revitalized MANA schoolyard opened in 2017. MANAS (as FoCA) raised nearly $1.7 million over five years to support the transformation of the schoolyard from asphalt desert to urban oasis. The process began in 2011 with $130,000 from corporate partners and community members to construct a play structure, benches, and plantings in one corner of the space. Over the next five years, FoCA worked to raise funds to complete the balance of the schoolyard, winning major grants from civic, government, and corporate partners. Read more about the schoolyard project.

The MANA schoolyard is more than just a playground: it's an outdoor classroom. Designed to optimize and enhance students' social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, the schoolyard engages students in both play and learning. Through its grounds committee, MANAS continues to help maintain the schoolyard, from replacing missing screws to tending trees.