Shared Use Tools The most commonly used tools to formalize shared use are facilities use policies, open use policies, and shared use agreements. Facilities Use Policies and Agreements A facilities use policy formalizes community access to facilities for educational, recreational, civic, social, or cultural activities. Almost all school districts, as well as many other property owners, have a facilities use policy. Under these policies, users are often required to fill out and sign a standard agreement (sometimes called a permit or license), pay a fee, and provide proof of insurance. These policies and agreements are often used by groups that want to access facilities to host specific programs and activities, such as basketball, soccer, or softball league games; tennis or swimming lessons; and classes in Zumba,® yoga, martial arts, or dance. Open Use Policies An open use policy spells out community access to recreational facilities for open play and recreation. Unlike other mechanisms of formalizing shared use, an open use policy allows a property owner to act alone, instead of in partnership with another entity. Open use policies can be adopted by school districts and other public entities, as well as by private property owners. These policies are most appropriate when the community wants to use a shared use site for casual, informal activities, such as using playgrounds, playing pickup basketball, or walking a track or path. What About Informal Shared Use Agreements? In many communities, the public has permission to use recreational facilities, but there is no written agreement or policy in place. Sometimes long-standing tradition grants implicit permission for community use. In other situations, there is explicit permission but no official written policy or agreement. These types of informal arrangements are often called handshake agreements. In many situations, formalizing the arrangement in writing will benefit both the property owner and the public. However, when informal arrangements provide successful and sufficient access, formal shared use policies and agreements may not be necessary.20 The important thing to remember is to tailor shared use arrangements to fit the situation; there is no one-size-fits all arrangement. 15 Shared Use | changelabsolutions.org
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