KING WILLIAM — King William High School has reopened its stadium and track to the public again outside school hours following public opposition.

The track and field has been padlocked after hours since August, when the school board agreed with school staff to limit public access to the facility amid concerns over the lack of a maintenance budget.

However, some members of the public who walked the track after school hours complained about being denied access to a facility paid for by taxpayers’ money. The county backed the $1.75 million conversion of the high school football field from grass to artificial turf last year, while the two-decades-old running track was rebuilt for $425,000 in 2023.

School board members spoke in favor of reopening the facility to the public at the Oct. 21 meeting, when Superintendent Charles Wagner acknowledged the public criticism.

“We’ll make sure we find a way to give that to the community,” he said.

Wagner raised the prospect of the stadium being closed again outside of school hours in the future if vandalism or other damage occurs.

In opening the track to the public, the school system asked that users follow signage and expectations, keep surfaces clean, wear appropriate footwear, refrain from chewing gum or spitting out sunflower seeds, and keep animals, bicycles, and skateboards outside the fenced area.

School board members left the details of the reopening to administrators. “I trust staff to make good decisions on opening the track when they see fit,” said board Chair Veda Frazier.

Vice Chair Lindsey Catlett said that the division does not have capital funds for repairs if the track sustains damage.

“No animals should be allowed, period,” Catlett said. “I’m happy to see people walking and kids playing.”

Members of the public who addressed the closure of the stadium said walking the track had been a regular activity before it was closed.

“It’s one of the few safe, level and well-maintained places to get exercise in our rural community,” Andrea Perseghin, mother of Hamilton Holmes Middle School student, told the school board on Oct. 21.

She said the roads in the county are narrow, lack sidewalks and are unsafe to walk on.

“The track has been a lifeline not just for me but for others who use it … what makes the track so valuable is that it’s accessible to everyone regardless of age, background or income. Not everyone can afford a gym membership,” she said.

Perseghin said that taxpayers paid for the resurfaced track and closing it to the public “sends the wrong message.”

David Macaulay, Davidmacaulayva@gmail.com

https://www.dailypress.com/2025/10/27/king-william-reopens-high-school-track-for-public-use/