BILL NUMBER: S7386
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to providing grants for
schoolyards and playgrounds; and making an appropriation therefor
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill establishes a grant program under the New York State Education
Department to provide school funding to renovate or build more equitable
and greener public school playgrounds and spaces.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 names the bill "New York Living Schoolyards Act".
Section 2 amends the education law by adding a new section 3602-g that
provides definitions, establishes the, living schoolyard grant program,
outlines acceptable applications and the use of grant funds.
Section 3 appropriates $150,000,000 to the department of education for
the grant program.
Section 4 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Playgrounds and outdoor spaces are essential parts of a child's school
experience. They support physical activity, spark creativity, and offer
opportunities to build social and emotional skills. But too many school-
yards in New York are paved, overheated, or inaccessible-designed more
for durability than for learning, exploration, or equity.
This bill proposes a bold step forward: reimagining schoolyards as
vibrant outdoor learning environments that are greener, cooler, and more
inclusive. By supporting the design and construction of "living school-
yards," the legislation helps schools transform static spaces into
dynamic areas that integrate shade, gardens, habitat, and interactive
natural features.
These schoolyards will not only provide children with daily contact with
nature but will also help mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve
stormwater management, and strengthen community resilience to climate
change. The benefits extend beyond students-many schoolyards serve as
community green spaces after hours and on weekends.
The New York Living Schoolyards Act will provide competitive grants to
school districts, BOCES, and partner nonprofits to support planning and
implementation. These investments will advance environmental education,
climate adaptation, and student well-being-while creating healthier
school environments across the state.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New legislation.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.