Every school has athletic fields and a gymnasium. Several of those fields are maintained by the County for the use of residents during non-school hours. Because of heightened security, they are not accessible to the general public.

Kevin Abbate, the County Parks & Recreation Director, was rightfully frustrated because of the County dollars spent without everyone’s ability to use those fields. As I have written before, the County and School Board have something in common. They have the same taxpayers. And it makes little sense for those taxpayers to pay for duplicate facilities.

Both Ed Ciampi and Marsha Powers were correct in their assessment that there is no reason why the public cannot use school facilities during non-school hours. While school staff has a fear that the buildings would not be secure, society cannot live in fear. We fear the crazies, but we can’t do something as important as to make sure that weapons do not fall into their hands.

The County runs recreation programs in their parks now which are open to everyone. Should they now be closed? Should the kids waiting for buses be assigned guards? What about libraries?

The Boards should be able to work together to ensure that taxpayers have access to these facilities. Schools are open 180 days a year. The buildings are not open at night or on weekends. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of us could use them?

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