New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07386

Introduced
4/14/25  

Caption

Provides grants for schoolyards and playgrounds to become living schoolyards which provide outdoor learning spaces for students.

Impact

The bill will significantly impact state education laws by establishing a formal program under the education law that specifically allocates funds for outdoor learning spaces. It mandates the development of outdoor environments which are ecologically beneficial and tailored for comprehensive educational experiences across multiple subject areas. Financial support for these initiatives comes from a substantial appropriation of $150 million, intended to fund the enhancement of outdoor spaces in public elementary and secondary schools across New York State.

Summary

S07386, known as the 'New York Living Schoolyards Act', proposes the establishment of a grant program aimed at converting schoolyards and playgrounds into living schoolyards that support outdoor learning for students. The initiative is designed to not only enhance educational opportunities but also to foster healthier, greener environments within school settings. Eligible entities such as school districts and nonprofit organizations with expertise in outdoor education can apply for competitive grants which range from $25,000 to $100,000. The program emphasizes the importance of utilizing community input in developing the master plan for these living schoolyards.

Contention

While the bill has been generally well-received for its potential to improve educational settings and increase student engagement with nature, there may be concerns regarding funding allocation and the administrative capacity required to manage these grants effectively. Potential contention could arise from discussions on prioritization of schools, particularly those with high percentages of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and ensuring that all schools meet the necessary standards for participation in the grant program. Furthermore, the long-term sustainability of the living schoolyards once the grants conclude may lead to debates over the maintenance and upkeep responsibilities.

Companion Bills

NY A05343

Same As Provides grants for schoolyards and playgrounds to become living schoolyards which provide outdoor learning spaces for students.

Previously Filed As

NY A07788

Establishes a pilot program to provide grants to local education providers to implement high-impact tutoring programs prioritizing low-income or underserved students to address student learning loss or unfinished learning resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

NY S08327

Establishes a pilot program to provide grants to local education providers to implement high-impact tutoring programs prioritizing low-income or underserved students to address student learning loss or unfinished learning resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

NY A00588

Enacts the healthy, safe and energy efficient outdoor lighting act to reduce harmful outdoor lighting; sets standards for outdoor lighting; provides for the designation of dark-sky preserves; provides for distribution to customers by electric corporations or municipalities providing electric service of an informational pamphlet relating to outdoor lighting.

NY A10694

Enacts the New York city arts space act which provides tax benefits for eligible arts spaces.

NY S09919

Enacts the New York city arts space act which provides tax benefits for eligible arts spaces.

NY A01887

Establishes a career explorations class to integrate academic and vocational education, link secondary and post-secondary education and provide learning activities and mentoring at the work site; provides students with school-based learning and work-based learning.

NY S05758

Establishes a career explorations class to integrate academic and vocational education, link secondary and post-secondary education and provide learning activities and mentoring at the work site; provides students with school-based learning and work-based learning.

NY S02913

Provides grants to address food insecurity among students at public institutions for higher education.

NY A02645

Provides grants to address food insecurity among students at public institutions for higher education.

NY S06895

Relates to permitting the use of municipal space for outdoor dining.

Similar Bills

CA AB1642

School facilities: master plan for green schoolyards: greening programs.

CO HB1061

Community Schoolyards Grant Program

US SB1538

Living Schoolyards Act of 2023

CA SB515

School facilities: shade structures.

CA SB499

School facilities: School Extreme Heat Action Plan Act of 2023.

AZ SB1523

Water use; prohibition; landscaping

CA AB2285

Natural resources: equitable outdoor access: 30x30 goal: urban nature-based projects.

CA SB1091

School facilities: school projects: accessible path of travel requirements.