Councilman Seeks Expanded Campus Access in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Santa Barbara City Council member Oscar Gutierrez is launching an initiative to expand public access to school campuses outside school hours.

The proposal calls for a new partnership between the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Unified School District to make more playgrounds, fields and courts available when classes are over.

Gutierrez points to decades of campus closures driven by safety and liability concerns, saying neighborhoods have lost valuable recreational space.

A pilot program previously opened two campuses during limited hours. Organizers say the response encouraged them to pursue broader access.

Gutierrez is now bringing together parents, educators, coaches, health organizations and community leaders before presenting the proposal.

The effort seeks to balance recreational use with campus safety while creating more opportunities for children and families.