School facilities and grounds are integral components of public infrastructure that provide students with space to learn, socialize, and exercise.
However, once the school day is over, many school grounds and facilities sit empty during evenings and on weekends. As interest grows in addressing pressing concerns such as childhood obesity, lack of recreation/open space, suburban sprawl, and the need to efficiently use limited public resources, many consider joint use of school facilities as one strategic approach to help address these issues. While developing the partnerships and agreements
necessary to offer additional programs and services on school grounds – and in some cases construct new facilities to house them – is not simple, school districts and local jurisdictions throughout California are working together to accommodate school and community needs. This report provides an accessible, detailed discussion of what joint use is, why local entities partner, and how these partnerships are formed and implemented.
