Almost every school has them- playgrounds, baseball fields, basketball courts, a track; but not everyone is allowed to use them. A University of Florida study says, it's up to state lawmakers to find ways to make it possible for schools to keep their facilities open after hours.
A national study completed by University of Florida professor John Spengler takes a deeper look into solving child obesity.
In 2009, Florida had the 17th highest percent of obese and overweight children in the United States.
Spengler says all states have some type of recreational user-statute, which provides protection from lawsuits to public parks, should anyone get hurt.
However, the study shows that not all states' "recreational user-statutes" protect public schools, after regular classroom hours.
Spengler says the most common reason why school districts close their facilities after hours is, fear of liability.
The UF study has been published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, and Spengler says he hopes his findings will create more opportunities for kids to get active.