New community schoolyard opens at FAIR School Crystal

Music, cheers and applause filled the air around the new community schoolyard at FAIR School Crystal at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 18. 

The schoolyard features outdoor learning areas, native plant gardens, walkable paths, interactive zones for nature-based exploration, and more to create a welcoming environment for students and the community. This project was made possible with grants from Trust for Public Land, Hennepin County SHIP Program, and the Seven Dreams Education Foundation.

“We’ve created an outdoor classroom that will last for generations. This is more than a space – it’s a promise to our students that learning can happen anywhere, and that their voices matter,” said FAIR School Crystal Principal Zoraba Ross. “This is a proud day for FAIR School Crystal, our families, and our community.”

Trust for Public Land staff collaborated with students and school staff to reimagine the previously underutilized space, which will now support open-air learning and continuous community connection within the broader neighborhood.

“The new schoolyard at FAIR School Crystal reflects what’s possible when we center student voices and community needs. Together, we’re building healthier, more resilient neighborhoods where every family can thrive,” said Sophie Harris Vorhoff, Minnesota Program Director at Trust for Public Land.