Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026

The Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act of 2026 aims to establish a new grant program under the U.S. Department of Education to help schools replace traditional asphalt surfaces with green, park-like environments. These "revitalized schoolyards" would include features such as trees, gardens, and outdoor classrooms designed to improve student health, provide shade, and offer hands-on learning opportunities in nature. The bill specifically focuses on addressing the lack of green space in under-resourced communities and Tribal schools.

If enacted, the legislation would provide grants of up to $1 million to eligible schools and districts for the planning and construction of these outdoor spaces. Beyond the educational benefits, the bill encourages schools to enter into shared-use agreements, allowing these green spaces to serve as public parks for the surrounding community during non-school hours. The proposal also seeks to improve local climate resilience by using natural landscapes to manage stormwater and reduce the extreme heat often generated by large paved surfaces.