The article discusses the issue of public access to school grounds outside of school hours, highlighting the potential benefits of opening up school grounds to local communities. The report mentions that some councils are spending millions of dollars on small pocket parks, when schools could potentially provide more open space for recreational activities. However, concerns about maintenance costs, vandalism, and potential damage have been raised by some schools.
Data from the Crime Statistics Agency in Australia found no statistical association between reported criminal damage on government school grounds that are open to the public versus those that are closed. In New Zealand, schools are rated by risk categories and provided with maintenance funding based on potential damage or vandalism. The article suggests that schools open to the community outside of school hours should receive additional funding to manage maintenance and other associated costs.
The article showcases the perspective of Amanda Murray-Alston, whose children attend Ascot Vale Primary School and spend a significant amount of time on the school grounds outside of school hours. She emphasizes the convenience of having access to the school grounds for recreational activities, as the closest park is located two kilometers away. The article also mentions that the Victorian government declined to provide a list of schools that are closed to the public or comment on potential plans to open more public school grounds.
Infrastructure Victoria’s report did not explore the issue of private schools opening their grounds to the public, but focused on government schools built on public land. The article raises the issue of top private schools in NSW facing pressure to open their grounds, but highlights the opportunity to unlock the potential of $6.5 billion of public land currently utilized by government schools. The article emphasizes the importance of considering cost-effective solutions for providing open spaces for play and exercise to communities.
In conclusion, the article raises the importance of considering the potential benefits of opening school grounds to the public for recreational activities outside of school hours. While concerns about maintenance costs and potential damage exist, data suggests that there may not be a significant increase in reported criminal damage on school grounds open to the public. The article highlights the convenience and accessibility of school grounds for local communities like Ascot Vale Primary School, where families frequently gather for recreational activities. Suggestions for providing additional funding to schools open to the community are proposed to help manage maintenance costs.
