News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
Clockwise from top left: Manzanita Elementary, “NBA Cares Day” at East Oakland Pride Elementary, Esperanza-Korematsu Elementary shared campus. Photo credit: B&D
At three elementary campuses in East Oakland, asphalt and chain-link fences are giving way to fruit trees, native plants, and spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive. The Oakland Unified School District’s (OUSD) Living Schoolyards initiative is transforming traditional schoolyards into vibrant outdoor learning environments at East Oakland Pride Elementary, Manzanita Elementary, and the shared Esperanza/Korematsu campus.
Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) is proud to serve as program manager for this initiative, supporting OUSD in program oversight, stakeholder coordination, and ensuring the Living Schoolyards program stays aligned with budget, schedule, and sustainability goals.
“Living Schoolyards are an inspiring example of how capital projects can directly support student wellness, environmental literacy, and community connection,” said Kyle Brower, Project Manager at B&D. “We’re honored to help deliver spaces that reflect the values and aspirations of East Oakland families.”
The initiative is part of a broader shift in OUSD toward climate-resilient, student-centered design. Through robust community engagement—including input from students, parents, teachers, and neighbors—the schoolyard redesigns aim to foster physical activity, social-emotional health, and hands-on STEM learning through gardens, nature play, and outdoor classrooms.
In East Oakland Pride’s design, students explore a teaching garden, run across permeable play areas, and enjoy shaded seating nestled among drought-tolerant plants. At Manzanita Elementary and the Esperanza/Korematsu site, similar elements bring nature back into students’ daily experience—replacing heat-absorbing concrete with living, learning landscapes.
B&D’s program management team is proud to help OUSD implement this vision as part of the Measure Y bond program, working closely with district leaders, design teams, and community members to ensure these new schoolyards are sustainable, inclusive, and ready to support generations of learners.
