The Trend Toward Mixed-use Community Schools

Schools co-located with a public library, museum, or other civic institution can stay open past 3 p.m. and be used for other purposes, though wings that don't serve a dual function can be closed to the public. For example, Medina High School in Medina, Ohio, shares space with city-funded leisure facilities, which are also used by a local hospital's physical therapy branch. When not occupied by students, the school's 1,200-seat auditorium is booked by the local performing arts foundation. Multiple uses for the same roads, parking, and other infrastructure can also reduce sprawl and ease traffic concerns, experts say. (Thanks to KnowledgePlex for the article summary.)