The Tasmanian Government is swinging open school gates after hours to give students and local communities access to modern playgrounds, ovals, and indoor and outdoor sports courts.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the Government is committed to making school facilities more accessible to the wider community and ensuring upgraded sites are actively promoted for shared use.
"School sports courts are an essential part of every school. They offer students a safe place to be active, develop skills, and, most importantly, have fun with their friends," Minister Palmer said.
"School playgrounds are also important to our local communities. We know that many families enjoy visiting school playgrounds outside of school hours for fun and fitness."
The Tasmanian Government is supporting the strong demand for facilities by investing $10 million into the Playground and Sports Court Upgrade Program.
More than 100 schools and child and family learning centres will be upgraded over the next five years, delivering improved facilities for our schools and broader community.
The Program is already progressing at several schools, with projects underway for Elizabeth College, New Norfolk Primary School, Newstead College, and Rosny College.
Minister for Sport, Nick Duigan, said across our schools and Child and Family Learning Centres, there are hundreds of sports courts and playgrounds that our communities can make use of.
"Sport brings communities together and schools are central hubs within a community," Minister Duigan said.
"We know there is strong demand for sports courts across the State, and schools are playing an important role in increasing access to facilities for Tasmanians.
"Within the northern region, the Launceston Basketball Association had over 250 teams accessing school gymnasiums.
"A dedicated Community Liaison Sport team is working with schools and sporting groups to increase out-of-hours access to school sports facilities.
"They work closely with state sporting bodies, local associations and community groups to make sure these spaces are used safely and effectively.
"Our Liberal Government is delivering for Tasmanians by investing in community sporting infrastructure across the State."
