New Law Signed To Promote Healthy, Active Lifestyles

Governor Mary Fallin signed a bill into law that would limit public schools' liability when they open up their facilities to the public.

Fallin pushed the measure during her State of the State address as a way to create healthier lifestyles for Oklahoma families. And Oklahoma City Public Schools cheered the legislation as another option to connect with the community.

Soon many schools could open their doors for everyone to use, but district school officials say their top priority, as always, is student safety. Now, gyms, playgrounds, tracks and athletic fields at your neighborhood school could soon open up for public use as part of a new law to promote more active lifestyles for Oklahomans.

And while there are questions about safety, Deputy Superintendent Sandra Park says parents shouldn't be worried about who might access their child's schools.

"We have some very clear school board policies that folks have to fill out a facility usage form. We need to know exactly what time they are going to be in and when they leave. Someone from the school has to be there with them while they're there. We make sure that the building is secure and safe," said Park.

Oklahoma City Public Schools supports the new law and say it comes at an important time that ties in with the district's philosophy of getting their students moving to better their educational experience. They do, however, also stress that the law does not mandate schools to open their doors to the public. It only provides the option to do so by removing liability so they have the final say.