More school grounds in NSW are being thrown open for public use in a trial designed to give families access to more green space.
The trial, involving 11 schools, will mean the public can use ovals, sports courts and playgrounds outside of school hours.
Currently 200 schools are open for public use during school holidays, but access is not permitted outside of school holidays.
In a statement, the NSW Government said unlocking extra green space outside of school hours was important to encourage more young people to “get off their devices and to get active”.
“The shared spaces trial will also provide more critical green space and outdoor recreation as we continue to build much needed new homes and apartments for young people and families across the state,” it said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he had never been a fan of locking up school grounds from the public.
“I want kids and families to be able to use the grounds outside of school hours,” he said.
“It seems like a waste to keep hundreds of school ovals locked up at night, over the weekends and during school holidays.”
