The report, "Getting More from School Grounds—Sharing Places for Play and Exercise" highlights the growing need for accessible recreational spaces as Victoria's population expands. It argues that school facilities, such as sports fields and playgrounds, are under-utilised outside school hours despite rising land costs and increasing demand for exercise spaces. The report emphasises the potential health, social, and economic benefits of making these spaces available to local communities, especially in areas with limited recreational infrastructure​ .

Key Takeaways:

• Population Growth and Land Constraints: Rising populations and skyrocketing land prices make it difficult for governments to build new recreational facilities. Repurposing existing school spaces offers a cost-effective solution​ .
• Health and Well-Being: Access to open spaces improves physical activity rates, reducing health risks like obesity and cardiovascular disease​ .
• Community Building: Shared school grounds promote social inclusion, particularly for women and culturally diverse groups who often prefer informal exercise over organised sports​ .
• Challenges in Implementation: Schools worry about vandalism, maintenance costs, and safety, highlighting the need for funding and administrative support to manage shared facilities effectively​ .
• Policy Recommendations: The report suggests prioritising schools in high-need areas, offering maintenance funding, and upgrading facilities to ensure durability and accessibility​ .

How Facility Finder Fits In:

The challenges and solutions outlined in the report align closely with the goals of Facility Finder. The platform addresses administrative burdens by streamlining scheduling, payments, and compliance, reducing the complexity that discourages schools from renting out their facilities. Facility Finder can also help schools transition into community hubs by promoting their spaces, improving visibility, and simplifying the rental process.

Additionally, the report's emphasis on using existing resources aligns with Facility Finder's mission to maximise the use of under-utilised school facilities, turning them into revenue-generating and community-enriching assets. By leveraging Facility Finder, schools can follow the report's recommendations with ease, minimising costs and maximising benefits for both schools and their surrounding communities.