NYC School Construction Authority PS4 Improvements
Duke Ellington Schoolyard
Azar Design Co led the transformation of the PS4’s Duke Ellington schoolyard in northern Manhattan. As part of the NYC School Construction Authority’s (SCA) Reso “A” program, our landscape architecture team reimagined the aging schoolyard as a dynamic, colorful space for learning, play, and recreation.
The new design features a synthetic turf activity area, expanded plantings, an outdoor teaching space, and a new play structure, creating a safe, resilient, and engaging environment for students and educators.
Originally constructed in the 1990s, the schoolyard had not undergone significant upgrades, leaving behind a vast asphalt expanse with limited features for creative programming. In collaboration with our architects, engineers, and the school’s staff, Azar’s landscape architects developed an imaginative play and learning space tailored to the needs of the school community.
The redesign includes a new schoolyard surface with an improved drainage system, a mini-running track, and a painted “play trail” reflecting the school’s identity. Classic painted games such as hopscotch and boxball will be incorporated alongside reconstructed planting areas with integral seat walls, offering opportunities for outdoor instruction.
A new accessible play structure with educational elements will enhance physical and social experiences for students, while upgrades to stairs, ramps, and handrails will ensure a safer and more inclusive environment.