NY A05343

Establishes the "New York Living Schoolyards Act" creating a competitive grant program to transform school outdoor spaces into park-like environments with trees, gardens, outdoor classrooms, and natural playgrounds at elementary and secondary schools

Provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to school districts, BOCES, and nonprofit partners with expertise in outdoor learning, with $150 million appropriated for the program

Requires grant recipients to develop master plans with community input that include ecological and biodiversity goals, accessibility standards, educator professional development, and long-term maintenance plans

Limits spending to no more than 60% on play and recreation amenities (emphasizing natural, non-petroleum-based materials) and no more than 20% on professional development and staffing

Requires 20% matching funds from recipients, though this can be waived for schools where at least 40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch; grants will be issued between July 1, 2027 and June 30, 2031