Schools across NSW are throwing open their gates for the public to access outdoor facilities outside of school hours every day of the week, in a trial allowing families and communities greater access to green space.

Menindee Central School is part of a NSW trial, opening up school premises for community use during the holidays.

“I’ve never been a fan of locking up school grounds to the public. I want kids and families to be able to use the grounds outside of school hours,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“It seems like a waste to keep hundreds of school ovals locked up at night, over the weekends and during school holidays.

“It’s why we’re throwing the gates of this public land open – it means people who live in apartments have more space to enjoy the outdoors, and kids have more options to get off their devices and play outside.

This trial, conducted in 11 schools across the state, will open up school ovals, sports courts and playgrounds for the public to use for personal and recreational use, giving people access to space that has been locked up for no reason for many years.

The NSW Government’s existing shared spaces program already opens up almost 200 schools’ outdoor facilities during school holidays for public use, however, it does not permit the opening of ovals outside of school holidays.

Unlocking this extra green space outside of school hours is especially important at a time when we are encouraging more young people to get off their devices and to get active, following the introduction of mobile phone bans in schools and social media restrictions championed by the Minns Labor Government.

The shared spaces trial will also provide more critical green space and outdoor recreation as we continue to build much needed new homes and apartments for young people and families across the state.

Other participating schools include Kogarah High School, Bardwell Park Infants School, Delegate Public School, Hernani Public School, Kambora Public School, Manly West Public School, Roseville Public School, Seaforth Public School, Strathfield Girls High School and Teralba Public School.

A full list of schools taking part in the Share Our Space program, including the trial, can be accessed here.