Councilmember LaBonge's Joint School-Park Use initiative passes unanimously

Councilmember LaBonge speaks to the City Council on the need for a joint-use agreement with schools Wednesday

Councilmember Tom LaBonge led a panel discussion before the City Council today regarding a pilot program to allow joint use of select LAUSD campuses as community parks during after school hours and on weekends, which garnered unanimous support from the Council.

The Council heard testimony from parks advocates including the People for Parks organization, which has spearheaded this initiative, other non-profit groups, the Dept. of Recreation and Parks, and LAUSD representatives regarding the feasibility of developing a Master Joint Use Agreement for the utilization of school facilities as parks. The pilot program would identify 15 elementary and middle school campuses to be included in the pilot program.

“What we need more in this City are places for kids to run around and participate in wholesome activities in a safe and welcoming environment,” said Councilmember LaBonge, who chairs the council’s Arts, Parks, Health & Aging Committee. “I’ve long advocated for joint use of schools because they already exist in our neighborhoods – we don’t have to acquire land – and can easily converted to playgrounds and community gardens.”