Chicago public schools (CPS) will renovate multiple schoolyards as part of the space to grow (STG) program

Federal Grant Award Summary

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) received a $1.236 million Project Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 under the Geographic Programs - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 66.469) to renovate multiple schoolyards through the Space to Grow (STG) program. The award, effective July 1, 2025, through October 31, 2027, supports the replacement of impervious surfaces with green infrastructure—including rain gardens, bioswales, underground storage systems, and permeable surfaces—designed to retain a collective 1.8 million gallons of stormwater. This initiative aims to reduce polluted runoff entering Lake Michigan and area waterways while mitigating urban flooding in Chicago neighborhoods at high risk of inundation.

CPS will deliver design and engineering plan sets, community engagement activities, and construction oversight for each renovated schoolyard through contracted consultants providing pre-construction planning and community-informed design services. The project benefits Chicago residents, educators, and students in flood-prone areas by implementing green stormwater infrastructure that manages runoff and reduces neighborhood flooding. No subrecipients or subawards are included in this assistance agreement.

Activities:by replacing impervious surfaces with green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, bioswales, underground storage and permeable surfaces, together the renovated schoolyards will have a designed retention capacity of at least 1.8 million gallons of stormwater, helping keep lake michigan and area waterways free of polluted runoff. CPS will engage consultants to conduct pre-construction planning, prepare community-informed designs and oversee construction activities for each schoolyard. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:anticipated deliverables include design and engineering plan sets and community engagement. The green infrastructure implemented through space to grow helps manage stormwater and reduce neighborhood flooding. Intended beneficiaries include chicago residents, educators and students in areas at high risk of urban flooding.