For years, students at Francis Lewis High School have had limited outdoor space during the school day after the closure of the school field. Now the school courtyard has been redesigned with new turf, seating areas, and plans for additional activities, a project completed under interim principal Ms. Babbar.
For students, the physical changes to the courtyard were immediately noticeable once the space reopened.
“I noticed that they added a nice patch of grass, making it really comfortable for you to lay down, sit, and relax,” sophomore Maxim Nesterov said.
Students also pointed to the covered seating areas as another improvement that made the courtyard more usable throughout the day. With the addition of shaded areas, students said the courtyard became a place where they could spend time outside while still being protected from weather conditions that previously made the space less enjoyable.
“I noticed they added a type of building with a hood, and it’s nice to be there, covered from the sun.” freshman Alexander Sun said.
The courtyard has quickly become a popular gathering space during lunch periods, offering students a chance to spend time outdoors instead of remaining inside the building. For some students, the change was not only about having a new physical space, but also about creating a healthier environment where students could take breaks, socialize, and spend time away from the classroom.
“I think it brings more students outside to enjoy the fresh air and the nice sun,” Nesterov explained. “And I think it’s good for the overall mental health of the students.”
The renovation began before Ms. Babbar became principal, but weather delays during the winter slowed construction. After stepping into the role of interim principal in February, she focused on completing the project in time for warmer weather so students would have access to outdoor space during lunch periods and free time.
Ms. Babbar, who previously served the school community as both a teacher and assistant principal of science and attended Francis Lewis as a student herself, said the courtyard became increasingly important after the closure of the school field. Since students lost access to a larger outdoor area, the courtyard became a key part of creating another space for students to gather and relax.
“The courtyard became the replacement for space outside because we don’t have a field,” Ms. Babbar said. “It was not comfortable. So it was Dr. Marmor’s idea to replace it with turf so it’s more durable and usable.”
Along with the turf, the redesign introduced shaded seating areas, fencing, and additional tables and benches. According to Ms. Babbar, safety and the surrounding classrooms also influenced many of the decisions about how the space would function. The goal was to create an area that students could enjoy while also making sure it fits the needs of the school community.
“It’s a place to go outside and enjoy the outdoors,” Ms. Babbar explained. “That is your space as students to relax. And that’s what I’m giving back to you.”
Seeing students use the courtyard has reinforced Ms. Babbar’s belief that the space fills an important need within the school community.
“I walk past the courtyard many times a day, and it’s very nice to see kids sitting in a circle, talking to each other again, relaxing, enjoying the weather,” Ms. Babbar said. “They look happy.”
While the courtyard has received positive feedback for its appearance and comfort, some students believe the space still feels limited because there are few organized activities available.
“There are no activities,” Nesterov said. “There are no sports, no balls, nothing, so it’s kind of hard to actually do something.”
The lack of equipment has led some students to create their own forms of entertainment during lunch periods.
“We normally play football with a water bottle, but a dean always stops us when we’re in the middle of a game,” sophomore George Pastis said.
Several students said the renovations improved the appearance of the courtyard, but they still feel additional recreational options could make the space more engaging.
“I like the redesign, but I think that before, the vibes were just better,” Pastis said.
The shortage of organized activities has also influenced the way students interact with one another while spending time outside.
“I think it’s like, especially with no phones, everyone’s forced to talk to each other, building social skills,” Nesterov said. “But honestly, if more activities are available, this would be a lot easier.”
Not all students agreed that the courtyard has changed social habits in the same way.
“I think that some kids go out there just to be on their phones because it’s a little bit easier out there,” Pastis said.
Students also mentioned smaller concerns related to accessibility and school policies connected to the courtyard.
“People without IDs can’t enter,” Nesterov said. “My friends can’t enter.”
Despite those concerns, most students agreed that the updated courtyard is still an improvement over the older version of the space. School administrators say the area will continue evolving over time as more additions are introduced and student feedback is considered.
“We’re going to continue to build out and add some more board games and more things,” Ms. Babbar said. “There are lots of fun things coming.”
Students already have ideas for what future additions could include, with many suggesting sports equipment and more interactive activities.
“Maybe some cool stuff to do out there, like a net would be cool for the kids to play volleyball,” Pastis said.
“More sports,” Nesterov explained. “We need this.”
Although the field remains Ms. Babbar’s top priority, she said the courtyard is only one step in improving student spaces across the school.
“My top priority is the field,” Ms. Babbar explained. “You guys have not had a field going on four years now. My number one priority is to get the field back to the students and the school community.”
As students continue adjusting to both a new administration and a refashioned outdoor space, the courtyard has quickly become part of everyday student life once again. While opinions differ on what the space should ultimately become, the modifications have reopened conversations about how shared spaces affect student experience, social interaction, and school culture.
“I want you to know that student voice matters,” Ms. Babbar said. “A conversation needs to happen.”
