San Francisco Shared Schoolyard

The Shared Schoolyard Project is a partnership between the City of San Francisco, the San Francisco Unified School District, and San Francisco’s neighborhoods and communities that envisions and provides for a place for children and families to play and gather within walking distance of every child in San Francisco. Through this unique joint partnership, the City and the School District are able to open schoolyards to the public across the city, with at least one in each of San Francisco’s 11 Supervisorial Districts.

The Shared Schoolyard Project was revamped under the leadership of District 2 Supervisor Mark Farrell, who has led in the fundraising efforts for the project, Mayor Ed Lee, Interim Superintendent Myong Leigh, the San Francisco Unified School District, San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department, San Francisco’s Department of Public Works, San Francisco Police Department, and 311 to increase more open space for our children and families to play and gather.

Currently, over 40 public schools citywide are enrolled in the Shared Schoolyard Project. The Shared Schoolyard Project is working to enroll all of San Francisco’s public schools, so that every child and family in San Francisco can have a clean and safe place to play and gather on the weekends.

Enrolling your school in the Shared Schoolyard Project provides so much more than just an open schoolyard for a place to build community.

Our Mission

The Shared Schoolyard Project’s mission is to create more accessible and safe spaces for our children and families to gather and play throughout the City of San Francisco. The Shared Schoolyard Project will encompass every supervisorial district and will succeed through collaborative partnerships with the City of San Francisco, the San Francisco Unified School District, Neighborhoods and Communities, the San Francisco PTA, Corporate Sponsors, and other Non-Governmental and Community Based Organizations. We envision providing a place to play within walking distance of every child in San Francisco.

Upcoming events

Events
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News & Media

Putting the Super in Superhero Schoolyard

Jul 20 · By San Francisco Shared Schoolyard Project · Share

It was an epic weekend at Alvarado Elementary for Superhero Saturday! Families and children from across the city convened in Noe Valley, ready to take on a parkour course, flip around on the aerial rig and practice their high flying skills on the Tumble Track, all provided by the world famous AcroSports.

Girl empowerment and STEM education organizations circled around the acrobatic centerpiece, ready to offer information about their programs to eager parents. Little Artistas added an artistic flair to the awesome costumes with on the spot facepainting. And of course, all of the superheroes and their fans were treated with delicious chicken tenders, barbeque pork sandwiches, veggie wraps courtesy of our friends at the Brickyard. Not to mention, because it was National Mac 'n' Cheese day, there was plenty of the delicious cheesy goodness!

A special thanks goes out to Alvarado's Principal Laurie Murdock and District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy for hosting our exciting costume contest. While the competition was fierce, the prize generously donated from Wee Scott ultimately went to an adorable Batgirl and mysterious wizard.

The Alvarado Elementary school is open on weekends from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The schoolyard will be opened by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks department and cleaned by the San Francisco Department of Public Works. For any questions or more information about the San Francisco Shared Schoolyard Project, please contact Amy Randel at randela@sfusd.edu or (415) 308 - 6596.

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Party in the Panhandle at New Traditions Elementary

Jun 20 · By San Francisco Shared Schoolyard Project · Share

In the midst of a historic San Francisco heatwave, families were searching for a way to enjoy the outdoors. And what better way to do so--than a celebration of the open schoolyard at New Traditions Elementary School! The clouds that forced a rain cancellation of the original opening in November were nowhere to be seen. Even with a little wind, the community was ready to celebrate in style.

A few of our favorite organizations attended to table and provide all sorts of activities for families, as well as share information on their amazing work. Tenacious Tennis Academy served up some terrific sets of tennis. Wee Scotty taught us all how to create beautiful works of art. SF Youth Soccer played some nailbiter matches in the lower yard. The Circus Center entertained with all sorts of varied juggling acts. AcroSports set up a full obstacle course for kids to tumble and flip through to the delight and cheers of their parents.

Surrounded by excited children, Supervisor Mark Farrell and Principal Alderete officially cut the ribbon to mark the occasion of this new neighborhood resource. We were also joined by Thea Selby, member of the San Francisco City College Board of Trustees, whom announced to the crowd the exciting news that City College is now free for all San Francisco residents!

The schoolyard at New Traditions Elementary School is now open to the public on weekends between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. The schoolyard will be opened by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and cleaned by the San Francisco Department of Public Works. For any questions or specific information about the Shared Schoolyard Project, please contact Amy Randel at randela@sfusd.edu.

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