Provides grants for schoolyards and playgrounds; appropriation

This bill, the New York Living Schoolyards Act (A 5343), provides competitive grants to school districts, local education agencies, and partnering nonprofits to create "living schoolyards" at elementary and secondary schools. These are outdoor learning spaces featuring gardens, native trees, natural playgrounds, and climate-resilient design elements that strengthen ecological systems and support hands-on education. Grants (ranging from $25,000 to $100,000) require master plans developed with community input, including ADA accessibility, climate goals, and long-term maintenance strategies. The program specifically prioritizes schools with high percentages of students eligible for free/reduced lunch and mandates that funds cover planning, design, and construction while limiting spending on staff training and maintenance.