School playground usage update

Hey,

for any of you that are interested - After last week's repeat encounter with a local mom from Salmon Bay I reached out to the Seattle Public School's Ombudsman and I've posted his response at the bottom. I've highlighted the two potential items in red, but since:

1. we never, ever bring alcohol to these things
2. we do our best to ensure that the rest of the playground is safe and available to all other community members and
3. the 'appropriate use' addendum is in reference to the rental docs (I have them too, if anyone wants them)

then I don't see how our usage of the space could be challenged. I'd guess the only thing that could make it problematic is if we force existing community users to move when we start our game. If the court is empty then it appears to be, as expected, a 'first-come, first-served' community space.

If anyone has any contact within the school itself, it might be beneficial to reach out to the principal and indicate that we use part of the playground for several hours each Sat. It might also be a good idea for everyone to respectfully refer any community member that is unhappy with our presence to the Ombudmsman's Office.

See ya Saturday!

rob

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Date:  January 5, 2015

Hello Mr. Sorensen,

Thank you for your email.  Actually, our local elementary school playground is open to anyone from dawn to dust.  This time period is usually after school ends and before school begins; not during the school day.  Some of our middle and high schools share their space with Parks and Recreation and they may have times scheduled for events.  If the playfield is not scheduled for a specific event, its generally available to any community/neighbor.  Hope this answers your question.

I’ve also attached Policy 4260 (Use of School Facilities); Superintendent Procedures 4260SP (Use of School Facilities) in the event you also wish to rent our facilities.  Out of courtesy, you may want to inform the school principal that you plan to use the playground during non-school hours so that they are aware.  Enjoy the use of our facilities. Thanks Bob!

Appropriate use: Only uses that are consistent with the district's educational programs

and policies will be permitted. Activities which are discriminatory, promote or involve

the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or firearms, promote hostility, disorder, or

violence, attack or demean any individual or group, interfere with other uses of facilities,

cause damages or excessive maintenance or cleanup, or reflect poorly on the district's

reputation in the community will not be allowed.

The District reserves the right to decline requests when the use is inconsistent with

District use guidelines.

Ronald McGlone

District Ombudsman

Office of the Superintendent

Seattle Public Schools

206.252.0529

Ombudsman@seattleschools.org

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