The need for safe play spaces in communities across the United States is more important than ever (ChangeLab Solutions, 2012).
Nearly a third of kids and adolescents in America, and two-thirds of adults, are overweight or obese. Many are urged to get more exercise, but can't follow this advice very easily due to unavailable community resources. Schools, of course, have all kinds of exercise facilities - indoor gyms, soccer fields, tracks, basketball courts, even playgrounds and swimming pools. But when school lets out, these spaces are often locked away from students and the rest of the neighborhood. School administrators have reasons for keeping these spaces closed after hours. For example, school administrators are concerned about security, getting sued if someone gets hurt, and can not afford to pay for extra maintenance costs.
Communities around the country have resolved these issues through joint use agreements, also referred to as a shared use or recreational use agreement.
