Greening Schoolyards and the Spatial Distribution of Property Values in Denver, Colorado

TL;DR

This study examines how greening schoolyards in Denver influence nearby property values, revealing increased appreciation close to greened areas, especially in gentrifying neighborhoods, highlighting potential equity concerns.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on the impact of schoolyard greening on property values and discusses implications for urban environmental justice and housing equity.

Findings

Homes within 250 meters of greened schoolyards appreciated more.

Gentrifying neighborhoods showed stronger property value increases.

Environmental investments may have unintended displacement effects.

Abstract

Schoolyard greening initiatives have become increasingly prominent in urban school districts across the United States, particularly as mechanisms to promote environmental justice, child well-being, and neighborhood revitalization. While these interventions aim to address health and ecological disparities, they may also trigger real estate speculation and displacement in historically marginalized areas. This study investigates how property values are affected by proximity to greened schoolyards in Denver, Colorado. Using spatial analysis and hedonic regression techniques, we examine whether these greening efforts correlate with uneven housing market changes across diverse neighborhoods. Results suggest that homes located within 250 meters of greened schoolyards experienced significantly higher value appreciation than those further away, especially in neighborhoods already undergoing gentrification. These findings raise questions about the unintended consequences of environmental investments and emphasize the need for equitable policy frameworks.