Tanner G. Duckrey, is an Elementary School located in North Philadelphia.  In the spring of 2015, The Big SandBox (TBS) began working with Duckrey,  Principal David Cohen, and 50 advocates representing the school, parents, and 27 organizations and agencies united by the shared responsibility of creating ‘One Schoolyard, One Illustrative Plan.  Since that time a one million dollar campus plan has been developed.  The redevelopment is broken down into phases and, with the first phase complete, TBS and its partners are in the construction phase of the next components. 


Schoolyard Mission – 

working to help create a place for the community to:

  1. learn;
  2. play;
  3. socialize;
  4. compete; and,
  5. celebrate  North Philly

In the fall of 2015, as part of TBS Schoolyard Exchange, graduate students from the University of Colorado(CU) worked with the school to begin laying the groundwork for the ‘One Vision, One Schoolyard plan.’  

In the spring of 2016, TBS’s collaboration with the school continued with Duckrey Paint4Play.  More than 100 parents, students and parents came out to reclaim the Tanner G. Duckrey schoolyard, transforming over 6,000 square feet of asphalt into brightly colored games, mazes and patterns. With support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, it was a day of painting, music, food and fun.  

Principal Cohen shared his thoughts about how The Big SandBox has been positively impacting his school.

If you are interested in joining please contact Jake Gaffigan <jakegaffigan@thebigsandbox.org> or 720-641-6440