Site program, circulation, and security may be supported with the inclusion of site furnishings. Since site elements can vary widely in material, design, and cost, they shall be selected carefully according to the preferences and budget of the school and adjacent community.
Site Furnishing Materials
Materials shall be based on site furnishing manufacturer recommendations. If newly installed plastic lumber is used it shall be made of high-, medium-, or low-density polyethylene (HDPE, MDPE, LDPE). The following materials including but not limited to, shall not be used:
- Wood-plastic composites
- Multiple commingled recycled consumer plastics
- Fiberglass (for nonstructural applications)
- Polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Seating
Surface mounted seating elements are preferred to moveable seating. Seating shall be sited to enhance community and school site programmatic elements. Seating located adjacent to playgrounds, fields, and other play areas are encouraged. They can also be utilized in quiet reflection spaces like gardens or outdoor classrooms.
- Benches
A wide variety of materials, designs, price-points, and manufacturers of standalone benches are available, though the typical length shall be six feet. Benches shall meet the budget, needs, and preferences of the CPS site users it serves. All standalone benches will be surface mounted with tamperproof hardware to the pavement to prevent theft, vandalism or overturning due to weather. Selected benches shall not include end armrests, but shall include a center armrest to aid in transfers and promote inclusive use of the seats.
(See Figure 1.7.1_1) - Seat Walls
Whether precast or cast-in-place, concrete seat walls are suitable for a wide range of applications including custom-formed seating elements for schoolyards. In many instances, seat walls may be integrated as retaining walls, containment elements, or other functional objects. Whatever the form, preferences shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. Finish and edge condition shall be designed to deter skateboarding and enhance durability. Other materials may be considered for seat walls besides concrete, but care shall be taken to minimize cost and protect the safety of users. Seat heights shall be appropriate for user age groups. - ADA Companion Seating
Select seating shall provide a companion seat, allowing for people with disabilities to sit adjacent to fixed seating elements. Center arm rests and other elements that assist with wheelchair transfer to seating elements shall be included, see ADA recommendations.
Refer to Volume 3 Section 1.10 Site Accessibility for additional information.
(See Figure 1.7.1_1)
Tables & Chairs
Providing tables and chairs on site affords CPS students, staff, and community members a place to study, eat, and socialize.
- Fixed Tables & Chairs
Tables and chairs or benches that are secured in place to pavement or landscape are preferred on CPS sites. When possible, multiple tables shall be located together in one area to promote community use (picnics, farm stands, etc.) and to allow students and teachers to gather for after school activities or during lunch hours. Moveable seating, though often used in urban environments, is not recommended for CPS sites. All tables shall allow for wheelchair access to 5% of work surfaces. - Game Tables
Outdoor tables may also have a prescribed use such as chess tables, and may enhance community use and provide additional programming for school groups. When possible, multiple game tables shall be grouped to allow for greater play opportunities. Other tabletop activities, like tic-tac-toe, checkers, cards, and dominos, may be accommodated and considered for these tables. All tables shall allow for wheelchair access to 5% of work surfaces.
(See Figure 1.7.1_2)
Bollards
Fixed Bollards
- Fixed bollards shall also be employed at plaza boundaries and where decorative/ornamental fences and gates adjacent to vehicular areas require protection.
- Fixed bollards are appropriate in vehicular loading areas and pedestrian areas that interface with streets or parking lots and need to be protected from vehicular traffic.
- Fixed bollards also to be located at utility equipment.
(See Figure 1.7.1.2)
Removable/Collapsible/Retractable Bollards
- Unfixed bollards may be used for fire lanes. Coordinate with City of Chicago Fire Department to review design and ensure proper access will be provided.
- Unfixed bollards may be used for areas in need of vehicular access including maintenance roads or temporary event parking areas.
- If used, consideration must be given to where removed bollards will be stored, the weight of the bollards if hand lifted, the access to and location of locking mechanisms, and how to provide emergency entry.
(See Figure 1.7.1.3)
Flagpoles
Flagpoles shall be located near the main building entrances with the number and sizing of flags as follows below. Flags are always flown and never lowered unless required for half mast. The flags shall always be lit in the evening hours.
Elementary Schools
- Flag
Provide one (1) 5’-0" x 8’-0" nylon United States flag for flagpole. - Flagpole
The flagpole shall be a ground set, cone tapered aluminum flagpole. Typical height shall be 30 feet tall.
High Schools
- Flag
Provide three (3) 6'-0" x 10'-0' nylon flags each on individual flag poles including: one (1) United States flag, one (1) Illinois State flag, and one (1) City of Chicago flag. - Flagpole
The flagpole shall be a ground set, cone tapered aluminum flagpole. Typical height shall be 40 feet tall.
Construction Requirements
- Construction
Flagpoles shall be constructed with a foundation tube sleeve in a properly sized ground set foundation. Flagpoles shall have lightening protection. - Flagpole Base
Provide a concrete pad around the base of the flagpole to facilitate removal and installation of the flag. Specific sizing of the concrete pad shall be designed per individual project needs
- Flagpole Operation
Flagpole shall be equipped with an internal halyard system comprised of nylon with a metal core and manually operated removable winch. - Flagpole Lighting
Provide waterproof ground mounted fixture for uplighting or lights mounted on the school building. - Wall Mounted Stanchion
Wall mounted stanchion may be used in smaller select schools where the ground pole is not achievable. Flagpole shall have one (1) 3'-0" x 5'-0" nylon United States flag.
Bike Racks
CPS shall support students, staff, and community members who choose to travel by bicycle by providing secure bike parking on site. Racks shall be surface mounted with tamperproof hardware to pavement in a high-visibility area within the site. The minimum number of bike racks provided shall be determined by CPS and the school’s needs.
Drinking Fountains
The need for an outdoor drinking fountain shall be determined by the school and CPS based on need and water access and will meet accessible design requirements. Drinking fountains shall be located at key locations within the schoolyard to allow access for all site users and follow both ADA standards and manufacturer’s recommendations. Drinking fountains shall be 3-tier if ground surface mounted or 3-tier if wall mounted, which are ADA compliant. Fountains shall be coordinated with building water lines and site storm lines early in the design process. Consult with the school building engineer or plumbing engineer to determine feasibility. Provide an accessible route to all drinking fountains. Refer to Volume 3 Section 1.5.3 Utilities for additional information.
Trash and Recycling Receptacles
Providing new waste receptacles for sites that do not have them or reinstalling existing waste receptacles is required on CPS sites. The quantity, design, color, and location will be determined by the designer and CPS. Receptacles shall be sited near building entries, picnic / seating areas, playgrounds, and at entrances to the CPS site.
Outdoor Message Centers (Formerly Kiosks)
Physical postings of school bulletins, events, news, and select community events may require an outdoor bulletin board located on CPS sites. When included, the structures shall have an overhead covering to prevent water infiltration and snow collection, as well as plastic coverings on lateral sides to protect from wind and rain. These message centers may be locked or open for public use depending on the preferences of the school. Specific design and sizing shall be coordinated with the designer, CPS, and school users.
Donor Elements
CPS shall strive to honor donor’s contributions to new projects or their continued legacies of giving by placing their names or other desired information on site elements like pavers, benches, or plaques. Locate donor elements within high visibility areas in coordination with the school’s preferences.
- Engraved Pavers
Donor pavers shall be etched and sealed with desired names or other text / design as determined by CPS, schools, and donors. Pavers may be grouped in one concentrated configuration or scattered within a larger field of pavers, but care shall be taken to prevent pavers from being easily removed by hand. - Benches
Names may be added to benches, either through engraving, plaques, or formed text (if bench is concrete). Specific designs and location shall be coordinated on a case-by-case basis with the local school. - Plaques
Engraved metal plaques may be affixed to pavement, walls, or site furnishings as determined by CPS, schools, and the donors.