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A new fully ADA-accessible garden has opened at Southside Occupational Academy, a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) transition center serving students with disabilities aged 18 to 22. The initiative is part of the district’s efforts to provide inclusive education and real-world learning experiences.
District officials, school leaders, and community partners gathered on Friday for the opening event. The garden features ADA-compliant seating, raised beds, and outdoor learning stations designed for diverse student needs. The space aims to serve as an outdoor classroom, promoting hands-on lessons that help build independence and job skills.
“It is one of the District’s highest priorities to ensure students with disabilities have access to the same high-quality learning and growth opportunities as their peers,” said Interim CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. “The opening of this garden at Southside Occupational Academy reflects the dedication of our administrators, school leaders, and community partners to building a more equitable and inclusive future for every student.”
Principal Jennifer Bollinger described the garden as an accessible classroom where all students can participate. “This garden is more than a beautiful space – it’s an accessible classroom where every student can learn, explore, and connect,” Bollinger said. “It gives our students opportunities to engage with hands-on lessons that build independence and job skills, while also creating a welcoming place that brings our school and community together.”
During the opening event, leaders toured the space and observed demonstrations related to horticulture programs, as well as discussions on how the garden supports academic and social growth for students. The facility will offer experiences such as harvesting honey from professional beekeepers, growing produce, and maintaining native plant species with guidance from experts.
Marcos Diaz, a student in the Community Horticulture internship at Southside Occupational Academy, emphasized the broader impact of gardening activities: “Growing fruits and vegetables teaches us about food and teaches us different work skills,” he said. “Gardens bring peace to our school and our community.”
Josh Long, now Chief of CPS’ Office for Students with Disabilities and former principal at Southside Occupational Academy, played a role in the original vision for the project. “Seeing it come to life is not only a significant step forward for our work at the District level, but also deeply personal,” Long said. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how much this kind of space can mean to our students, and my hope is that this is just one of many milestones to bring us closer to a system where all students have the best possible opportunities to learn and thrive.”
