[Luciole]

I really like running, especially sprinting. Unfortunately, I live in a pretty rough neighborhood and don't feel safe simply bounding off my steps for a morning jog. There are, however, two public schools with athletic tracks within about a 5 minute drive from my place. I'd really like to drive up and use them in the early morning... but I'm not sure how that works. Are tracks at public schools usually open for public use? If you wanted to use one, would you just show up before/after school use hours and do your thing or do you have to get some kind of permission?

I was hoping maybe someone could shed some light on this for me. I guess I could call the schools and ask, but I'm not sure where to direct my question--and to be completely honest I don't want to sound like a moron on the phone

Anyone know for sure?

Thanks!

[3fcuser1058250]

I know the schools around here don't mind if you use their track after school hours...

I'm a school secretary and I don't mind when we get calls like that at all, so don't worry about sounding like a moron, if they do mind, THEY are the morons...

[almostheaven]

Most every school track I've seen after hours has had adults walking/running the track. Unless they're gated to where you can't gain access, they're generally open to the public.

[JenR]

i would definilty call and ask the secretary. if she doesn't know, i'm sure she can find out from someone. school tracks are great!

[squishy1]

When I was in school there were always adults using the track, even throughout the school day. If it's a public school I'm sure it's okay.

[MachGirlie]

If it's a public school, I wouldn't think there would be any issues. A call would be your best bet to make sure though

[Luciole]

I replied to this yesterday but the forum went down for maintenance right afterwards and I guess my reply didn't stick.

Thanks for your insight everyone! The only times that I drive by my local tracks are during school hours when there are flocks of students using them. I thought that I recalled seeing adults using my high school track before school hours when I would ride in on the big yeller bus years ago. But I wasn't sure if that was just wishful thinking.

I'll have to get my butt in gear and go check them out! I haven't run a mile (as in, start point here, end point there, go and see how fast you can do it) since highschool and I'm in WAY better shape now than then. I'm really curious to see how well I will do.

TY!

[marbleflys]

In my town, the high school has a new bouncy, rubberized track surrounding the football field. it is high-fenced and gated against vandalism. For the nominal fee of $5.00 you are given a key obtained from the municipal clerk. The only restriction is that you cannot interupt school activities/class or scheduled events. We also have an indoor pool and the rental of it is made available through the township dept of human services. They have open adult swim hours for a small fee.

[Luciole]

Marbleflys--

That sounds awesome! I'd like the idea of paying $5 to have access to the track. It's more than worth it and with that system at least people aren't just hanging around for no good reason.

I'll try calling around to the local municipality and see if they know of any similar programs around me

Thanks!