John W. Cook Academy Before and After

What happens when you design for kids instead of cars? A schoolyard is transformed into a vibrant place for play, learning, and connection.

Located in Chicago’s Gresham neighborhood, John W. Cook Academy’s renovated schoolyard prioritizes physical activity, outdoor learning, green infrastructure, and community engagement. The space now features a multi-purpose field, running track, basketball court, playground for ages 2-12, game tables, orchard, native gardens, Chicago’s longest hopscotch, and “Lake Cook,” a dry runnel that captures stormwater from the school grounds.