A Sunshine Coast mother is behind a push for Queensland state school grounds and playgrounds to be opened to the public after hours.
Jennifer Brunton, of Palmwoods, said children need more opportunities for independent outdoor play, particularly in communities where suitable public spaces for older children are limited.
The state government said community use of school facilities was already allowed through hire agreements, with principals deciding when and how facilities could be used.
But Ms Brunton, whose petition to the state government has more than 600 signatures, wants a statewide policy allowing free after-hours access to school outdoor areas, including on weekends and holidays.
She said her campaign started in her hometown, where she believed existing public playgrounds offered limited options for older kids and where outdoor school facilities were often off limits.
“At a time when we are increasingly concerned about children’s screen use, mental health and lack of physical activity, I’m asking a simple question: If school grounds are sitting unused, why can’t communities make better use of these valuable public spaces?” she said.
Ms Brunton said, apart from the local skate park, there were few places where older children can independently walk or ride to meet friends outdoors.
“Children need opportunities to develop independence and autonomy within their own communities. We can’t expect them to become capable, confident young people if we’re constantly removing those opportunities,” she said
She said a school in her area had four playgrounds, three ovals, a tennis court and a basketball/netball court that were unavailable.
“We have children who need places to go, public playgrounds that don’t really meet the needs of older children, and significant outdoor space sitting behind locked gates,” she said.
Ms Brunton also said children should have opportunities to play in school grounds early in the morning.
“Children are being asked to sit, concentrate and regulate themselves for long periods during the school day. Why wouldn’t we give them the opportunity to run, climb, play and move before school starts?” she said.
The petition urged officials to act.
“Queensland State School grounds and playgrounds are locked and inaccessible to the public outside school hours. This restricts access to valuable community open space that has already been funded by taxpayers and limits opportunities for children and families to be physically active, play, and connect within their local neighbourhoods,” it stated.
“As Queensland’s population grows and urban density increases, access to safe, nearby places for outdoor play is becoming increasingly important.
“Many families, particularly those living in higher-density areas, rely on local parks and playgrounds for recreation.
“School grounds are often the largest and safest public open spaces within a community, yet they remain unavailable when they are not being used for educational purposes.
“Research shows that independent outdoor play supports children’s physical health, mental wellbeing, social development, resilience, and sense of belonging. It also encourages active lifestyles, strengthens community connections, and makes better use of existing public infrastructure.”
The petition urged the state government “to implement a statewide policy that opens Queensland State School outdoor grounds and playgrounds for free community use outside school hours, weekends and school holidays, except where temporary closures are required for safety, maintenance or other exceptional operational reasons.”
A Department of Education spokesperson said community use of school facilities was allowed, with conditions.
“It is an established practice of the department to allow school facilities to be available for appropriate community use, through a hire agreement, outside of school hours, when not required for school purposes, and with the appropriate controls in place.”
“Principals manage and make decisions about community use of their school facilities.”
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
