Bill > HB1853

This bill aims to promote the use of school district recreational properties as "green community schoolyards" by encouraging increased community access to playgrounds and playfields outside of school hours. The legislation stems from a 2021 physical activities task force report that highlighted the need to improve youth health through outdoor recreation. The bill acknowledges concerning statistics, such as children spending less than 10 minutes in unstructured outdoor play daily and only 25 percent of children getting recommended daily physical activity. It mandates that all public school outdoor recreational spaces be designated as green community schoolyards, available for public and community use when schools are not in session. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is required to develop a model shared-use policy addressing logistics like scheduling, liability, and fee collection, with special consideration for equity. School districts that adopt this model policy will be eligible for additional state funding assistance for school construction. The bill emphasizes the multiple benefits of such an approach, including improved academic achievement, social connections, physical activity opportunities, climate resilience, and community safety. By creating more accessible green spaces, the legislation seeks to address physical inactivity, particularly among marginalized youth populations, and transform school properties into vibrant community assets.