Last week, the SLA Inc. team proudly joined the Lynwood Unified School District, City of Lynwood, and CAL FIRE’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Lindbergh Childcare Center Green Schoolyard Project, a transformation that turned what was once an asphalt-covered yard into a vibrant, tree-filled learning space for children and families in Southeast Los Angeles.

This joyful celebration brought together leaders from every level of our community who share a commitment to environmental equity, education, and the well-being of local youth.

🌳 A Celebration of Partnership and Purpose

The event was attended by U.S. Representative Nanette Díaz Barragán (CA-44), Assemblymember Jose Luis Solache (AD-62), Superintendent Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul, the Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education, and Mayor Rita Soto of the City of Lynwood.

Each leader shared words of encouragement about the importance of bringing nature back to schools in urban neighborhoods — where shade, clean air, and access to green space make a real difference in students’ daily lives.

Certificates of Recognition were presented by Representative Barragán and Assemblymember Solache in acknowledgment of SLA’s and CAL FIRE’s role in making this transformation possible. Their offices joined in celebrating the collaboration between state, local, and community partners to bring more trees and nature-based learning to Lynwood schools.

🌱 Planting a Legacy for Generations to Come

To commemorate this milestone, Superintendent Dr. Gittisriboongul, members of the Lynwood Unified School Board, and Mayor Rita Soto joined SLA’s team and a group of excited students to plant a young oak tree — a powerful symbol of growth, resilience, and hope for the future.

As the children helped pack the soil around the base of the tree, their laughter and enthusiasm filled the air. This oak will grow alongside them, providing shade, beauty, and inspiration for generations to come.

“This is more than a tree planting — it’s an investment in our children and our community’s future,” said Jessie Salazar, President of SLA Inc. “We’re grateful to CAL FIRE and all our partners for helping us turn this vision into a living, breathing classroom.”

🌤 From Asphalt to Opportunity

The Lindbergh Childcare Center Green Schoolyard Project exemplifies what’s possible when public agencies, local leaders, and social enterprises come together with a shared purpose.

What was once a heat-absorbing asphalt yard is now a green learning environment featuring native trees, shaded areas, and safe spaces for outdoor play and environmental education. This transformation supports children’s physical health, mental well-being, and connection to nature — all while helping the community combat urban heat and improve air quality.

🌲 Gratitude to CAL FIRE

This project was made possible through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and its Urban & Community Forestry Program, whose investment in Lynwood reflects the State’s broader commitment to advancing climate resilience and environmental equity.

Through CAL FIRE’s leadership, schools like Lindbergh are becoming living examples of how climate action and community enrichment can go hand in hand. SLA Inc. is honored to help bring that vision to life.

🌎 Continuing the Work

The Lindbergh Green Schoolyard is one of several school greening projects led by SLA Inc. in partnership with the Lynwood Unified School District. Together, we’re working to create healthier, greener campuses that provide hands-on learning opportunities for students and lasting benefits for families in Southeast Los Angeles.

At SLA, we believe that when communities come together to build greener spaces, everyone wins — children gain places to grow, neighborhoods gain pride, and our planet gains a little more hope.

🌳 Funded by: CAL FIRE’s Urban & Community Forestry Program
🌿 Grant Awarded to: SLA Inc.
📍 Location: Lindbergh Childcare Center, Lynwood, California