In response to the lack of safe playgrounds serving local elementary schools, Cleveland Mayor Michael White enlisted the support of ParkWorks, a Cleveland-based nonprofit that helps build community through park and greenspace development. ParkWorks identified Orchard Elementary School as the model project for their "School Grounds as Community Parks" initiative.

Orchard Elementary School envisioned converting a dirt lot into a playground for students and neighborhood children to play. ParkWorks helped to mobilize the community, and design and build a playground and learning center. Through a series of community meetings, ParkWorks brought together diverse stakeholders, built alliances among competing interests, and created a community asset that is increasing property values and improving the neighborhood's quality of life.

The playground and learning center features two expansive playgrounds; environmental teaching gardens for vegetables, flowers, and wetlands; outdoor learning environments including a gazebo, tables and benches; a fanciful, artist-designed wrought iron fence surrounding the site; and sport field. It also renovated an existing handball court that had been a neighborhood tradition.

ParkWorks served as a nonprofit entrepreneurial partner and raised a combination public and private funding (25 percent public) to create a safe recreational gathering place for the community.