Before you start a school greening project it is important to have a good grasp on elementary school green schoolyard costs. We know cost is a main driver on what is possible and a hard piece of information to find. Because frankly it varies by each condition, restraint, and decision. We put together the following information to build a framework and reference point for planning elementary schoolyard projects.
GREEN SCHOOLYARD ELEMENTS
What are we talking about when we say Green Schoolyards? Elements of your green schoolyard, playscape, or nature playground may include the following.
– Nature Playground – a log, boulder, rope, physical play feature
– Learning Gardens – habitat, sensory, picking, and edible plantings
– STEM laboratory – hands on science exploration
– Loose Parts Imagination Zone – where students build and create
– Outdoor Classroom, Amphitheater, or Workshop
– Sand and Water Play Feature – play creeks, sand pit, watershed tables
– Sensory Exploration – music, art, or texture
– Green Schoolyard Improvements – rain gardens, reduced pavement, shade, or habitat
If you are looking to start small here is a presentation we have on 12 Schoolyard Greening Tips.
3 ways to estimate elementary green schoolyard costs for construction
COST PER SQUARE FOOT
Average cost per square foot costs account for the overall space being developed and give a cost per sf of area that is developed. This is the easiest and least nuanced approach. There are lots of factors that play into your cost per square foot. (See below) But, if you need a place to start, here are the ranges we have seen.
Range $5 – $25/sf
Average: $16/sf
AVERAGE COST RANGE
This number is an average range for construction from the last dozen elementary school green schoolyard projects we have done across the US. There are lots of factors that effect where your school may land in this range. See the chart below to decide where in the range you may land.
$45,000 – $380,000
EXAMPLE PROJECTS
The best way to estimate your construction costs is to take a look at a few of our past projects to see if one has a similar scope and scale to what you envision for your school. There are factors that effected these costs that may not be easily recognizable (donated outdoor classroom shelters, donated prepared and delivered logs, School District demo or final surfacing installation) that may lay outside the project costs shown.
Lincoln Elementary School Outdoor STEM Classroom
Construction costs: $45,000 (site improvements not including concrete or classroom building)
Sabin Elementary School Green Schoolyard
Construction Costs: $125,000
Oregon Episcopal School Playscape
Construction Costs: $225,000
Clatskanie Elementary School Playscape
Construction Costs: $300,000
If you join our Green Schools mailing list we can email you a package of these example schools with a full project descriptions, concept plans and costs.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
In addition to construction costs there can be other project costs depending on the scale and type of project you are proposing. Design fees can be up to 20% of construction costs. Permitting will depend on your jurisdictions rules and can run a few % of the total construction costs. If you have a larger project where a contractor is hired you will need someone to manage their work during construction. This is often out of the typical skills and knowledge of an educator. We have seen this be a hired position, a volunteer position filled by a skilled parents, or a position that the school district fills. Planning for these additional costs will set you on the road to success.
GETTING STARTED
When you are ready to start the design conversation let us know. Learning Landscapes Design is a professional design firm that can help you navigate the design, permitting and construction process.
– We address safety guidelines and long term maintenance.
– We excel at creative designs and are up to date on all the most effective products and strategies for play and outdoor learning.
– We involve students and the community in the design process.
– We have learned lots of lessons and will apply them to your project.
Let us know if we can help make your elementary school green schoolyard project a success.
info @ leanringlandscapesdesign (dot) com
We will be at the USGBC Green Schoolyards Conference March 2020 – Portland Oregon
We will have a booth and will be giving a tour.
