History

Between 1995 and 2013, the Boston Schoolyard Initiative transformed 88 Boston schoolyards from barron asphalt lots into dynamic centers for recreation, learning, and community life. In 2016, two years after the Boston Schoolyard Initiative (BSI) closed its doors, supporters of outdoor teaching and learning, many of whom had been actively involved in BSI, recognized the need for an advocacy group. Without BSI to champion them, the newly renovated schoolyards were not being maintained and teachers were not being encouraged or supported in their efforts to teach outdoors. Slowly, much of BSI’s 18 years of work in the schoolyards was being lost. Thus, The Friends of the Boston Schoolyards (FOTBS) was founded and established  as a 501c3. FOTBS set up a website and started sending out regular newsletters. We continue working, with much support from BPS facilities, BPS Science department and other organizations, to advocate throughout Boston for teaching and learning outdoors.