Let’s Go! SC Open Community Use Webinar Wednesday, December 9, 2015 2-3 p.m.
Open Community Use of School Recreational Areas
Open Community Use A school or school district that allows free access to outdoor school recreational facilities such as tracks, fields, courts, and playgrounds for the community to use for play and physical activity.
Other Types of Agreements Shared Use/Joint Use: Between two or more entities that pool resources to expand community access and use public. Community Use of Facilities/Recreational and Non-Recreational Agreement: When a school district allows third parties to host group programs and activities on school property, sometimes in exchange for a fee.
Importance of Access Research confirms that people with access to safe, high-quality space for play, exercise and recreation are more physically active. Public schools playgrounds, fields, courts, and tracks can provide opportunities for physical activity.
Benefits of Open Community Use Parent and community relations Community ownership and engagement Cost effective way to increased access to safe places for physical activity Healthy, active students are better learners Increased safety and decreased vandalism Community members likely will be more physically active Children are more active in areas with open schoolyards.
Recreational Use of School Property Promoted by State and National Experts South Carolina School Boards Healthy People 2020 Association American Academy of Pediatrics South Carolina Obesity Action Plan Institute of Medicine SC DHEC National Physical Activity Plan Eat Smart Move More SC American Heart Association SC Alliance of YMCAs SC Safe Routes to School SC Recreation and Parks Association
Protection for SC Schools Schools are at no more risk after school than during the school day. SC Tort Claims Act: Protects government entities SC Recreational User Act: Protects property owners that allow recreational use of land to the public free of charge.
Adopting an Open Community Use Policy Research Current Open Community Use Policies and Practices Build Support for an Open Community Use Policy Tailor the Open Community Use Policy Adopt an Open Community Use Policy Promote the Open Community Use Policy
Current Open Community Use Practices Identify community areas with the most need for additional recreational opportunities Research online policies http://scsba.org/policy- services/policies-online/ Contact individual school administrators to learn more about their practices.
Building Partner Support Local Boards of Education Principals and school administrators Coordinated School Advisory Council/School Improvement Councils PTA/PTO Parents and Community Members Local Health Departments, ESMM Chapters, local coalitions, HYPE teams Parks and Recreation Departments
Tailor the Open Community Use Policy Tailor the model policy for your school district Work with appropriated administrative and risk management staff
Adopt an Open Community Use Policy Become familiar with school board procedures Get on the agenda Have champions speak Follow up with boards members Follow protocol for policy adoption
Promote the Open Community Use Policy Community kick off Distribute press releases. Communicate through school newsletters, websites, etc. List on LetsGoSC.org Include on Parks and Recreation Post signage promoting the policy
Additional Resources ChangeLabSolutions changelabesolutions.org Active Living Research activelivngresearch.org Safe Routes to School South Carolina School Boards Association scsba.org Public Health Law Center publichealthlawcenter.org Salud America salud-america.org
Coleman Tanner, MPH, CHES Coleman@eatsmartmovemoresc.org
Open Use Policy Macedonia Elementary School Pam Rush, Chair Eat Smart Move More Barnwell County
Spartanburg, South Carolina
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