Siegfried supported the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Living Schoolyards initiative for multiple school sites in Oakland, California, by providing civil engineering, land surveying, and landscape architecture planning services across nine campuses, with implementation at MLK Jr. Elementary School and Manzanita Community School.
The projects reimagined traditional asphalt play areas and underutilized lawns as vibrant, nature-based learning environments that foster education, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Through the thoughtful integration of outdoor classrooms, pollinator habitats, edible gardens, natural play spaces, and shaded gathering areas, the designs created engaging campuses that promote student well-being while supporting long-term sustainability and resilience.
Working closely with OUSD and project stakeholders, Siegfried developed cohesive landscape solutions that balanced functionality, accessibility, and environmental performance across each campus. Funded through a CalFire grant, the projects incorporated sustainable site design strategies that enhanced stormwater management, increased tree canopy, and strengthened the connection between students and the natural environment.
