Community Comes Together to Restore Garden at Global Family Elementary
Following an unfortunate incident of vandalism, Eat. Learn. Play., Home Depot, Ripple, and others came together in the spirit of community to repair and enhance the school’s cherished outdoor space, making it better than ever for the students to enjoy.
In late June of last year, staff at Oakland’s Global Family Elementary School arrived on a Monday morning to a disheartening scene: the school’s cherished garden, created during a major playground renovation by Eat. Learn. Play., KABOOM!, and community partners, had been vandalized over the weekend. The destruction was extensive—planters torn apart, an irrigation system ripped out, wooden benches broken, and the area left in complete disarray.
The garden, revitalized during the 2022-23 school year as part of an extensive schoolyard renovation, had quickly become a favorite space for students and staff. While the damage was significant, what followed was a remarkable demonstration of community strength and unity.
“Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation was there for us when Global Family Elementary needed a new playground and garden as part of our Living Schoolyards campaign. They were there again when the school had a setback and repairs were needed. Thanks to the Home Depot Foundation, Ripple, a cadre of wonderful volunteers, and the addition of a new mural, the garden is now even better than before.”
—Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Oakland Unified School District
Rallying Together to Restore
The response to the vandalism was swift and generous. The Home Depot Foundation stepped in to fund repairs, and their Emeryville store mobilized a team of volunteers for a workday at the school. Soon, the garden was not only repaired but also replanted with new greenery, ensuring it was ready to welcome students back for the start of school in August.
Adding to the restoration effort, Raoul Ghymel, the original mural artist who contributed to the playground’s redesign, began work on a new mural for the garden. With funding and support from Ripple and Eat. Learn. Play., this artwork promises to transform the space into an even more vibrant and welcoming outdoor learning environment.
“Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation was there for us when Global Family Elementary needed a new playground and garden as part of our Living Schoolyards campaign,” said Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell. “They were there again when the school had a setback and repairs were needed. Thanks to the Home Depot Foundation, Ripple, a cadre of wonderful volunteers, and the addition of a new mural, the garden is now even better than before.”
A Symbol of Resilience
The garden’s restoration not only addressed the immediate physical damage but also reaffirmed the critical role outdoor spaces play in education and development. “Playing in nature — like in the revitalized gardens and beautiful outdoor learning environment at Global Family Elementary School — is necessary for development and makes children happier and healthier,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “I’m so proud of the work KABOOM! is leading with the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation and Oakland Unified School District to ensure all kids in Oakland have endless opportunities to play and experience the mental, physical, and academic benefits of nature.”
Strengthening Community Bonds
The outpouring of support showcased what’s possible when the community rallies together. “At Eat. Learn. Play., we believe every challenge is an opportunity to create something even greater,” said Chris Helfrich, CEO of Eat. Learn. Play. “The restoration of Global Family Elementary’s garden is a testament to what’s possible when dedicated individuals and organizations unite to support Oakland’s children. This garden is now more than a place to play—it’s a symbol of resilience and the power of community.”
By the time students returned to campus this past August, the garden stood as a renewed source of pride and joy, embodying the collaborative spirit that defines Oakland. While the vandalism was a difficult moment, it became a catalyst for strengthening the bonds between partners, volunteers, and the school community—all united in their commitment to Oakland’s kids.