Project Greenway in Altgeld Gardens

Aldridge Elementary eighth grade students reimagined what could be for an underutilized stretch of land on 130th Street and Ellis. Greenways are outdoor spaces connecting people and places. Each greenway is unique, reflecting the character of the communities it connects. As part of this place-based project, students studied what makes a greenway, how it benefits urban settings around the world and how in particular it could benefit Altgeld Gardens. Curriculum centered on the history of Altgeld Gardens land, native plant ecosystems, public space design, the role of public art in urban environments and the principles of Equitable Transit-Oriented Development, specifically in connection to the planned Red Line extension at 130th Street.

Through this holistic, interdisciplinary approach, students developed proposals rooted in community needs and sustainability—building critical thinking skills, civic awareness, and a deeper understanding of how urban planning can serve equity and environmental justice.