As those of us over the age of 30 probably remember, local schoolyards used to be community spaces, where kids could play and enjoy themselves even when school wasn’t in session. Â In recent years, however – because of various security, safety and liability issues – schoolyards have become increasingly closed off and reserved for school activities only.
In the past couple of years, however, the pendulum has begun to swing again in our park-poor city, and several area LAUSD schools have started opening at least some of their facilities for after-hours use.  In February, for example,  Vine Street Elementary (955 N. Vine St.) opened a shared school/community park on its grounds.  Wilshire Crest Elementary School (5241 W. Olympic Blvd.) is exploring similar options and as part of those efforts, City Council District 4 is considering supporting an AYSO soccer program for 8-10 year-olds at the school this summer.
Community support for such endeavors is vital, however…so if you have kids in this age range, they’d love to know what you think. Â Would you be interested in such a program? Â Would you like to see the school campus open for other activities? Want more information? Â Take our quick poll and let us know: Â [polldaddy poll=6307760]
