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Joint-use agreements pool municipal, school resources: plans make public facilities more productive, useful.

Article Excerpt
Many communities are making use of joint-use agreements as an opportunity to form collaborative agreements for more efficient and productive use of municipal and school facilities.

These agreements not only help cities and school districts avoid the need for duplicate buildings that serve the same function, but also provide community residents with amenities such as programs, services or public spaces that would not otherwise be available.

The vast majority of school facilities are designed and constructed for a specific education purpose. Once the school bell rings and students go home, these school facilities are generally closed to the public and serve no community purpose.

When cities and school districts enter into a joint-use agreement, community residents have access to school libraries, gymnasiums, auditoriums, computer labs, performing arts centers and other recreational and educational spaces that meet the various needs of the community during non-school hours.

These spaces can also function as places for public meetings and activities, and they help address the recreational and wellness needs of the community.

While schools are usually more apt to have facilities that can serve broader...