(a) Any home rule charter or statutory city or any town, county, school district, or any board thereof may expend funds available to it for the purchase of awards and trophies and may operate a program of public recreation and playgrounds; acquire, equip, and maintain land, buildings, or other recreational facilities, including an outdoor or indoor swimming pool; and expend funds for the operation of such program pursuant to the provisions of sections 471.15 to 471.19. The city, town, county, or school district may issue bonds pursuant to chapter 475 for the purpose of carrying out the powers granted by this section. The city, town, county or school district may operate the program and facilities directly or establish one or more recreation boards to operate all or various parts of them.

(b) A home rule charter or statutory city, a county, or a town may expend funds for the purpose of supporting student academic or extracurricular activities sponsored by the local school district.