In an effort to provide more recreational areas for families and communities, certain schools across New South Wales have commenced the Share Our Space Time Trial, which allows public access to school outdoor facilities after school hours. The trial includes 11 schools statewide, where community members can now utilise school ovals, sports courts, and playgrounds every day of the week.
PHOTO: Delegate Public School oval is now available for community use CREDIT: Delegate Public School (DPS)
The NSW Government’s existing shared spaces program already opens up almost 200 schools’ outdoor facilities during school holidays for public use, however, it does not permit the opening of ovals outside of school holidays.
Brad Bannister, Principal of Delegate Public School, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “This term our school is a part of the Share Our Space Time Trial. Our school outdoor spaces are always open to community use, whether it be playing on our Play Equipment, Cubby House, Basketball and Tennis Courts, and our magnificent School Oval. During this Term 1 specific program, I have certainly seen extra use of our school facilities and this makes me both extremely happy and very, very proud.”
PHOTO: The Delegate community will benefit from use of facilities like the tennis court and basketball hoop CREDIT: DPS
The NSW Government, led by Premier Chris Minns, has launched this program with the vision of unlocking more green spaces at a time when encouraging outdoor activities is vital. “I’ve never been a fan of locking up school grounds to the public. I want kids and families to be able to use the grounds outside of school hours. It’s why we’re throwing the gates of this public land open,” Minns commented, highlighting the importance of creating more recreational opportunities for communities, especially those living in apartments.
The trial supports a broader initiative where the state government has been upgrading various facilities to ensure both students and community members can safely enjoy these spaces. For instance, Kogarah High School’s sports field has been recently upgraded, with enhanced fencing and accessibility features like new stair entrances and an access ramp.
PHOTO: Parents now have vital access to additional recreational activities for their children CREDIT DPS
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, noted: “The new trial of the Share Our Space program will give people across the state greater access to green spaces throughout the school term,” emphasising the government’s commitment to enhancing public education facilities and expanding recreational spaces.
These efforts are part of a larger plan by the Minns Labor Government, which includes nearly $9 billion in the 2024-25 budget dedicated to new and upgraded schools, aiming to ensure all children in NSW have access to world-class public education.