John Lewis Elementary

John Lewis Elementary School, a public school in Washington, D.C., is the first Net Zero Energy (NZE) school in the US capital city. When Natural Resources Design, Inc., in partnership with EarlySpace and Perkins Eastman, were looking to create playgrounds that would connect students to the natural world while also supporting their academics and well-being, they worked with KOMPAN to ensure the same benefits created from a state-of-the-art building would be found in the courtyards. With two unique play solutions, John Lewis Elementary School hosts a treasured outdoor space that fosters social connection, physical play, and imaginations—both during and outside of school hours.

The playgrounds at John Lewis Elementary School offer students thrilling play appropriate for each age level. The nature-based playground, intended for the youngest students at the DC public school, integrates natural elements with playground equipment made from organic Robinia wood. Embankment slides, a splash table, and chalkboard provide a variety of physical and imaginative play options. For the older grades, a GIANT play tower lets students climb to the top and choose their own descent with a variety of slides and bars. A swing set offers the familiar favorite for recess time. Spinner Bowls and a Spica will delight children with each rotation, and wooden Stilts let them test their balance.