The two local schools are among more than 80 public schools across the state taking part in the NSW Government’s Share Our Space program.

It comes after a similar program was run successfully at 42 schools – including Koonawarra public – over the past summer holidays.

Lake Heights assistant principal Jenny White said the school was thrilled to be part of the program.

“We always like to encourage the community to use our outdoor area – it’s such an inviting space overlooking the lake,” she said.

“We’ve got a great playground where kids can climb and slide, we have a basketball court where they can enjoy a game and we have plenty of space for running and playing.

“So we grabbed the chance to join this program and let everyone come on in and use this valuable space when school’s not open.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Rob Stokes launched the expanded program in Sydney on Tuesday.

They said the $30 million Share Our Space Program follows the government’s $120 million commitment to secure strategic open spaces for public use and to build more than 200 new and improved playgrounds.

The announcements form part of the government’s $290 million Open Spaces and Green Sydney package, with more announcements on the way.

“The trial last summer was so successful we are delighted to be extending it to almost double the number of schools next holidays, giving families more options to use valuable open space in communities right across the state,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“It has never made sense to me that schools are locked up over the holiday period. I’m pleased we are taking action to address this.”

Participating schools will get a $5000 grant to help upgrade their facilities for community and school use. The playgrounds will be open from 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week, from April 16 to 27.