A new pilot program in Atlanta will test a joint-use arrangement that opens public school properties in the evenings and on weekends to provide park space for the public. The effect would be significant.
"Atlanta can greatly add to public green space and parks by partnering with the Atlanta Public Schools to open up school property to the public," according to an article by Maria Saporta. That joint-use approach to public schools is starting to gain traction in Atlanta, too.
"The city of Atlanta, the Trust for Public Land, Park Pride, the Urban Land Institute-Atlanta and the Atlanta Public Schools are about to launch a pilot program that would welcome the public to use school grounds after hours and on weekends," reports Saporta.
Ten schools will pilot the program over the next three years, with the possibility for more schools to join the roster with additional funding.
The article includes more details on how the program will work and the many potential benefits of opening public school property to public use.
FULL STORY: City and APS launching a pilot program to turn school lands into public parks
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