Decades ago, a cost-saving measure led Milwaukee to pave over its schoolyards, inadvertently creating sterile environments that hindered children’s development. Recognizing the need for change, a coalition including Reflo, Milwaukee Public Schools, and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District began transforming these spaces back into vibrant, green oases. As part of this effort, Learning landscapes was commissioned to re-design the German Immersion School to incorporate native planting, communal seating areas, and play areas tailored to the specific needs of the children.

The school wanted a central congregating space known as their “City Center” to host their large school events such as Kinderfest, Lantern Festival, Scholtz Fest and other fund raisers. A large plaza was created in the center of the play area for these events with modern concrete seat benches and picnic tables. A pavilion provides a space for an outdoor classroom while other quiet seating areas are spread out throughout the play space for small groups; each with its own unique character including art posts, colorful benches, and rustic reading nooks. Planting for the site included native prairie seeding with native grasses and perennials, creating a more natural and wild look. These plants not only help to mitigate stormwater but also increase urban plant and animal biodiversity and encourage community engagement with Green Infrastructure as a learning opportunity.