Aligned with the SSFUSD and City of SSF Strategic Plans
-SSFUSD 2024 strategic plan - https://www.ssfusd.org/apps/pages/strategic-plans
The SSFUSD mission at its core
At the heart of the school district mission is the understanding that a strong community is needed to create prepared students and enable the portrait of a graduate. A community park would create the perfect setting to establish relationships among parents, students and community members looking to support their local school. The 2024 SSFUSD calls out the need for more partnerships with the local community and this is priority 3 of their 6 district priorities for the next 5 years.
Connects with district priorities
Priority 2 and 5 of the SSFUSD strategic plan is create equity and fully engaged students . Closing the Achievement Gap, a landmark study published in 1998, surveyed 40 K-12 schools in 13 states across the nation, all of whom used offsite open spaces to extend learning options for students.The results convincingly demonstrate the positive impact of hands-on learning opportunities, as measured by the standardized achievement scores of socially disadvantaged students. - Parks help children learn - https://www.brec.org/assets/General_Info/Why_R_Parks_Important/Papers/Parks-Help-Children-Learn.pdf
Align with SSF City Master Plan
Chapter 10 of the Shape SSF master plan calls for a need to build more parks. The Sunshine Gardens Elementary school has already been identified as a potential location for a joint use agreement given the fact that it has been greatly underutilized and is costing district money to maintain in a minimal state.
"Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago - Warren Buffett
Frequently asked questions
Park Benefits
A park will serve as a valuable asset to both the city and school district, aligning their respective missions. Its presence provides a space for community members of all ages to gather and enjoy the outdoors, while also serving as an educational resource for the local students to learn about environment, sustainability and develop crucial social-emotional skills. The tangible benefits of a park are numerous and include
Physical activity
Parks provide opportunities for people to be active, which can improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase fitness.
Social interaction
Parks can provide a place for neighbors to meet and form social connections, which can improve health.
Environmental benefits
Parks can help reduce air and water pollution, mitigate urban heat islands, and manage stormwater.
Community engagement
Parks can provide a sense of place and attachment to the community.
Economic benefits
Parks can increase tax revenues, decrease medical costs, and improve the attractiveness of communities to homebuyers and businesses. A park can also help increase home values.