Reimagining Public Spaces with Purpose in Grade 1

This spring, students in 1MLJ have taken on the role of “Parkitects” in an imaginative, interdisciplinary inquiry into the design, function, and care of public spaces. Guided by the Quaker SPICES and grounded in systems thinking, empathy, and student voice, students were challenged to reimagine nearby Stuyvesant Square Park so that it better serves the needs of both the community and the environment. The project is part of a fictional mission from the Global Parks Initiative—but the learning and impact are very real.

To prepare for this mission, students earned their official "parkitecture" qualifications during a visit to Terrain-nyc, an award-winning landscape architecture office based in New York. Terrain embraces the energy of the city and magnifies the role of nature within it, creating transformational landscape spaces. Their work is framed within an ecological context - each project, no matter its size, is part of a network of cultural and environmental connections.  

The visit was hosted by Terrain’s founding principal, Steven Tupu, Wendy Chang, who leads Operations and Infrastructure and Designer Anna Tiburzi with support from Designer Natalie Khoo. Steven and Wendy are parents of Jack ’34. Jack was also able to participate and assist during the site visit to Terrain. Students learned how professionals approach the design of inclusive, sustainable public spaces and are now conducting a series of “site inspections” at neighborhood parks, gathering observations and ideas to inform their thinking.

Back in the classroom, students embarked on a series of “site inspections” at a variety of New York City parks, closely observing layout, design features, and how communities engage with different elements of the space. From noting the placement of seating and the presence of shade to reflecting on how a park welcomes all visitors, students demonstrated deep curiosity and attention to detail.

These real-world explorations laid the groundwork for the next phase of the project. Each student is now hard at work designing their own dream park—an individual plan that reflects both creativity and thoughtful design. Soon, they’ll move into group work, collaborating on blueprints for a reimagined Stuyvesant Square Park. Their design decisions are grounded not only in logic and aesthetics but also in the values they’ve explored, with thoughtful justifications tied to principles like community, equality, and stewardship.

The Parkitects Project is rich in cross-curricular learning. In math, students are applying concepts like measurement and geometry; in literacy, they are developing persuasive writing that articulates the rationale behind their design choices. Each student is also creating a park-themed booklet that weaves reading, writing, and problem-solving into the arc of the unit. As a capstone to their efforts, they are preparing a special project to be displayed at our upcoming Parkitects Graduation.

The project will culminate in a community presentation on May 22, where students will share their redesigned visions for Stuyvesant Square Park. These imaginative, student-driven proposals reflect not only an understanding of landscape design, but a deep sense of care for community, environment, and one another.

 

On May 5, Friends Seminary’s first grade “Parkitects” were joined by Alyson Evans, Director of Operations and Friends’ representative on the board of the Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA), for a rich and wide-ranging conversation about Stuyvesant Square Park. From the park’s origins as a 19th-century green space to the intricate systems and city partnerships that keep it functioning today, Alyson helped illuminate the many layers of what makes a public park thrive. Her visit deepened students’ understanding of park design, history, and maintenance—and brought real-world insight to their imaginative efforts to redesign the space as part of their Parkitects Project.

Drawing on more than two decades at Friends and over ten years of collaboration with the park, Alyson was the ideal guest to field the students’ thoughtful questions. She explained SPNA’s mission, the city’s role in park upkeep, and the School’s long-standing support through initiatives like “It’s My Park Day”—moments when the Friends community comes together in shared service and stewardship.

“I love it because our students love it,” Alyson shared. “Parks bring people together.”

Students also learned about the many people who help the park run—from plumbers and electricians to sanitation workers and police officers—as well as the animals who live there and the importance of keeping the space clean and safe. Alyson pointed to her favorite feature—the dog run—and reflected on how the park’s quieter corners mirror the Quaker values of silence, reflection, and care for others.

Alyson also encouraged students to think boldly and compassionately about how the park could evolve to better serve everyone. Her visit not only affirmed the purpose of their work but also inspired fresh thinking as they prepare to share their redesigned visions of Stuyvesant Square Park.