About

“By bringing together diverse groups, a civic process—not a design project— is created.”

~ Lois A. Brink, MLA, professor

Learning Landscapes is non-profit partnership between the University of Colorado Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning and Denver Public Schools. Since 1998, Learning Landscapes has transformed 48 Denver public elementary school yards into attractive and safe multi-use parks tailored to the needs and desires of the local community. Graduate students at the College work with each school community to design the learning landscape. The success of Learning Landscapes is founded on a healthy enthusiasm for aesthetic issues with a pragmatic approach to maintenance, safety and recreational issues.

Learning Landscapes is known throughout the United States as one of the most successful initiatives for community-based planning, designing, and building of public school playgrounds. The collective efforts of public and private parties have enhanced and strengthened Denver Communities and Denver Public Schools.