NSW Government commits to opening school sports fields and playgrounds for community use

After a successful NSW Government trial over summer, more than 80 public schools will open their gates these school holidays to allow everyone in the community to enjoy their playgrounds, ovals and sports courts.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes launched an expanded Share Our Space Program at Taverner’s Hill Infants School today that will provide access to enjoy 81 school playground during the coming school holidays.

The $30 million Share Our Space Program follows Monday’s $120 million commitment to secure strategic open spaces for public use and to build more than 200 new and improved playgrounds. The announcements form part of the NSW Government’s new $290 million Open Spaces and Green Sydney package, with more announcements to be revealed in coming days.

Premier Berejiklian explained “the trial last summer was so successful we are delighted to be extending it to almost double the number of schools next holidays, giving families more options to use valuable open space in communities right across the State.

“It has never made sense to me that schools are locked up over the holiday period. I’m pleased we are taking action to address this.”

Minister Stokes said school playgrounds are valuable assets and by making them accessible outside of the school term they can provide a broader benefit to the whole community, including opportunities for sport on school ovals.

He added “we learned a lot from the pilot program - kids don’t want to be stuck indoors during the holidays, and communities respected and welcomed having access to their outdoor school facilities.”

Participating schools will receive a $5000 grant that they can use to help upgrade their facilities for community and school use. The playgrounds will be open from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week, from 16th to 27th April 2018.

9th April 2018 - NSW GOVERNMENT REVEALS $290 MILLION FUNDING FOR OPEN SPACES AND PLAYGROUNDS

15th December 2017 - NSW SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS AND SPORTSFIELDS TO OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE OVER SUMMER HOLIDAYS

25th August 2017 - TOWN OF PORT HEDLAND’S MARAPIKURRINYA PARK PLAYGROUND ATTRACTS LOCAL CHILDREN

21st November 2016 - CRICKET NSW FORMS ELITE PARTNERSHIP WITH SPORTS HIGH SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION 

5th December 2015 - AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION SURVEY AIMS TO DRIVE FUTURE SPORT AND RECREATION POLICY

25th May 2015 - GRANTS NOW OPEN FOR SPORTING SCHOOLS

29th November 2013 - NSW GOVERNMENT REPORT FINDS STATEWIDE LOSS OF PARKS AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE 

3rd December 2011 - PLAYGROUND INITIATIVE WINS WORLD LEISURE INNOVATION PRIZE

12th March 2011 - AFTER-SCHOOL EXERCISE DECLINES IN NSW DESPITE FEDERAL BACKING 

27th June 2008 - PARKS FORUM HIGHLIGHTS VALUE OF PARKS