Signing of Joint Use Agreement Marks Milestone in Model Program

      Last year, more people visited a Baltimore County recreation facility or program than visited the Grand Canyon or Statue of Liberty.
     &nbspAnd when they did, those 6.8 million people often visited a Baltimore County public school field, gym, or other recreational facility in the process.
     &nbspSince 1952, county residents involved in programs with Baltimore County's Recreation & Parks Department have likely come to a Baltimore County Public School to participate. Thanks to a longstanding cooperative agreement between the schools and Recreation & Parks department - one reaffirmed during a June 17th signing ceremony - the public may use school fields and basketball courts, baseball diamonds and tennis courts.
     &nbsp"One of our system-wide goals is to use resources efficiently and effectively," BCPS Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston said during the ceremony at Woodlawn Middle School. "I cannot imagine a better illustration of this commitment than our shared use agreement with the county. Students benefit, parents and community volunteers benefit, and we maximize resources."
     &nbspDr. Hairston and Board of Education President Don Arnold joined County Executive James Smith and Recreation & Parks Director Bob Barrett in signing the "joint use agreement," which renews the cooperative arrangement between BCPS and the county on behalf of the Recreation & Parks program. The agreement, which has been renewed periodically since 1952, has served as a model for school systems sharing recreational and sports facilities with their communities.
     &nbsp"This agreement was a big deal back then (in 1952)," said Mr. Smith."Baltimore County was the first jurisdiction to recognize the potential for sharing recreational resources in a way that makes sense for everybody." Today, Mr. Smith added, the joint use agreement provides a cornerstone for the county's ability to "provide a broad range of recreational opportunities for our citizens young and old."
     &nbspThe joint use agreement has its practical application as well as a philosophical one. Schools benefit from the arrangement because the county pays to provide recreational amenities that the school system would otherwise have to fund. Students - as well as the public - benefit and enjoy the activity rooms, full-sized gymnasiums, additional athletic fields, tennis and multi-purpose courts, concession stands, and comfort stations provided by county funding.
     &nbspOn June 17th, both Mr. Smith and Dr. Hairston signed the joint use agreement in a tableau reminiscent of an international treaty signing. Seated at a long table, the two men - along with Mr. Arnold and Mr. Barrett - signed their names with a flourish, thereby continuing a half-century tradition of cooperation and service to county residents.

Story and Photos by Charles Herndon Communications Officer