LAUSD BOARD APPROVES SCHOOL COMMUNITY PARKS RESOLUTION

from Eastern Group Publications News Service

June 8 - The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution that would open school playgrounds to community use in the afternoons, on weekends, and during school vacations. The motion was introduced by Board President Mónica García and was co-sponsored by Board members Marlene Canter and Richard Vladovic, and builds on the District’s robust joint use construction program.

The Board action was coordinated with the Los Angeles City Council, which recently adopted a similar Council Motion. The City and the School District have pledged to work together—and with community groups and civic leaders—to raise additional resources, convert asphalt to green play spaces, and offer more out-of-school activities for students and their families.

A recent national survey found that, of the seven largest cities in the United States, Los Angeles ranks the lowest in park access. In fact, the study found that two-thirds of children 18 and under in Los Angeles do not live within walking distance of a public park.

Eastern Group Publications, Inc. -- 20080313-GN3-LegislativeDateline