Typically it is fine for community member to use the outdoor track/tennis/basketball areas during non school hours or events.

The problem is the middle school tracks don’t really have a regulation size track. Longfellow’s is a kidney-shaped gravel path. Cooper’s is also like that. Also, there are 1300 kids at Longfellow and other FCPS teams actually have a permit for using those fields at certain times of the day.

In general, you MAY be able to use these tracks but there may be others there and you don’t own the space

Lastly, don’t be the a-hole that brings your dog. There are no dogs allowed on school grounds, for a variety of reasons.

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a McLean track student here. Yes you can use the track, the problem is the school will be using the track or the fields around it most times you want to use it. Sundays are probity best. My kid has school from 8-3 and then track practice from 3:30 to 5:30 every weekday, and most of that is on the track. You’re probably fine after 6pm or from 6 to 7 am but there are other teams using the stadium and fields too.

Middle school tracks are more available

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I frequently run on HS tracks. Much to my surprise the JEB Stuart HS track is often locked. I don't know what the deal is there. We usually head to TJ high school. Their track is fabulous and not very crowded.

Stuart has a lot of crime inc students

TJ track not crowded??
wecameforthesports

Parent of a McLean track student here. Yes you can use the track, the problem is the school will be using the track or the fields around it most times you want to use it. Sundays are probity best. My kid has school from 8-3 and then track practice from 3:30 to 5:30 every weekday, and most of that is on the track. You’re probably fine after 6pm or from 6 to 7 am but there are other teams using the stadium and fields too.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I lived in NY, I used to run on the track at the local high school. It was open to the public except during school hours/after school sports (so basically before 7:45 am or after 5:00 pm). Anyone know if the Fairfax County school tracks have a similar option? I guess I could call the schools and ask, but not sure where to direct the call - athletic office? The schools closest to me are Mclean HS and George C. Marshall HS, in case anyone happens to have specific insight into those locations (I haven't even looked to see if they have tracks, but I'm assuming they do)
Thanks!

Go to Langley HS. The facility there is so much nicer. You might not be able to use the track after 3pm on weekdays due to lot of HS spring sports. However, the track, the football, tennis courts, baseball and softball field are open for public usage on weekends and most weekdays after 3pm if there are no after school activities.

In most fcps high schools, the tracks are off limits or being heavily used from start of school until at least 7 at night. There are kids all over the place after school for multiple sports.

Anonymous wrote:When I lived in NY, I used to run on the track at the local high school. It was open to the public except during school hours/after school sports (so basically before 7:45 am or after 5:00 pm). Anyone know if the Fairfax County school tracks have a similar option? I guess I could call the schools and ask, but not sure where to direct the call - athletic office? The schools closest to me are Mclean HS and George C. Marshall HS, in case anyone happens to have specific insight into those locations (I haven't even looked to see if they have tracks, but I'm assuming they do)
Thanks!

Go to Langley HS. The facility there is so much nicer. You might not be able to use the track after 3pm on weekdays due to lot of HS spring sports. However, the track, the football, tennis courts, baseball and softball field are open for public usage on weekends and most weekdays after 3pm if there are no after school activities.

FYI, some of the elementary schools have tracks too (though not as nice). Ours has a gravel one.

Anonymous wrote:I frequently run on HS tracks. Much to my surprise the JEB Stuart HS track is often locked. I don't know what the deal is there. We usually head to TJ high school. Their track is fabulous and not very crowded.

Stuart has a lot of crime inc students

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are these indoor tracks?

No. This area completely blows in that respect (among so many other reasons). There is one at a rec center over by FedEx Field. A jr high in Arlington (TJ) *technically* has one, but it is not banked or anything. It just surrounds the gym floor.

I used to use several different outdoor tracks in upper MoCo. A couple years ago, they started locking all of them. VERY annoying. And also, a lot of elderly used them (particularly NW), and now what? I guess their best interests do not matter.

I do not care if they are being vandalized or used for party places(claims made). Hire someone to open them early and close them at night. Or post security. The whole community has to suffer b/c of a few criminal jerks.

Selfish much?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since nobody has mentioned this, as a matter of courtesy do not run on the innermost 2 lanes,

Why?

Wear and tear. In meets all distance running happens in those lanes.

Yes it makes a lap about 408 meters. Adjust the length of your workout appropriately.

I am a former track runner and regular track user. I have never heard of this.

The only rule I know is that faster runners use the inner most lanes. If you're slower, move to an outer lane. Walkers should use the outermost lanes.

I am a former track runner and regular track user. I can confirm this is true. Plus it makes logical sense, area that get more use wear out faster.

Anonymous wrote:Are these indoor tracks?

No. This area completely blows in that respect (among so many other reasons). There is one at a rec center over by FedEx Field. A jr high in Arlington (TJ) *technically* has one, but it is not banked or anything. It just surrounds the gym floor.

I used to use several different outdoor tracks in upper MoCo. A couple years ago, they started locking all of them. VERY annoying. And also, a lot of elderly used them (particularly NW), and now what? I guess their best interests do not matter.

I do not care if they are being vandalized or used for party places (claims made). Hire someone to open them early and close them at night. Or post security. The whole community has to suffer b/c of a few criminal jerks.

OP have you been to either track since your message and checked them out?