Playgrounds across Baltimore are getting a facelift, much to the delight of students, educators and even developers. With cracked and littered asphalt gone, grassy surfaces and gardens encourage Baltimore schoolchildren to run, play and explore—even on the weekends.

A partnership between the city, the Parks and People Foundation and several developers has replaced asphalt playgrounds—many in such poor condition that children were forbidden to run on them—with grassy areas at 10 schools across the city. Renovations are slated for an additional 15 to 30 schools.