DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) “This week, I told us all about an ongoing project at the Texas Tree Foundation. The Cool Schools program is the transformation of Dallas County schoolyards into outdoor learning centers.
The program is operating on seven school campuses this fall, bringing the total to more than 30. Most of these schools are in underserved areas of Dallas.
One visit to one of these school grounds and you can’t see it. These are huge expanses of treeless grass – not exactly an inviting space for play or neighbors.
The program designs and plants trees and landscaping to transform these areas into more comfortable playgrounds, teaching spaces and community green spaces.
Each school receives a personalized version; the Foundation works with teachers and administrators to design what works best for the campus.
I cannot say enough good things about this program and the people who participate in it. They need all the support and encouragement they can get. Their work takes almost a full decade to see the final results. Imagine the level of perseverance to keep up.
I can’t think of a better gift for the children of this upcoming generation; a canopy of trees to learn and play under. What better way to learn the value of green spaces than to grow up learning (and playing) in them?
Jeff Ray
