Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Space to Grow

David Mason + Associates (DMA) provided civil engineering services to the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Space to Grow systemwide playground reconstruction project program, as the Engineer of Record and preferred vendor for more than thirty CPS playground reconstruction projects. Space to Grow is an innovative partnership program that brings together capital funds and Chicago leadership. It is a unique program that focuses on boosting physical activity and wellness, learning, improving stormwater management and sustainability, and engaging communities with local schools.

As the prime consultant managing landscape architects, mechanical engineers, geotechnical engineers, and surveyors for this work, DMA provided civil engineering and structural engineering as well as architecture and construction oversight.

Project work focused on improving the recreational facilities at K-8 schools. Civil engineering scope included demolition of existing facilities and the construction of new age-specific playground equipment, poured-in-place rubberized surfaces, artificial turf play lots, ADA-accessible paving, landscaping, parking reconstruction, stormwater management, permeable paving, site lighting, fencing, and utility infrastructure.

Projects included: Alcott Amphitheater, Horace Greeley, Audubon, Inter-American, Avalon Park, John Harvard, Beaubien, Kipp, Copernicus, Lara Academy, Corkery, Nobel, Enrico Tonti, Peirce, Gregory, Poe Classical, Hammond,and Tanner elementary schools.