Let the people use athletic fields

As more money and emphasis are placed on high school sports and facilities, some school districts in the Corridor have started limiting access to their sports facilities to the very people who help pay for the fields - the taxpayers.

In the past, it wasn't unusual for neighbors to use school athletic fields and tracks to walk or run, or play Frisbee or other games when they weren't in use.

Those who'd do so at Iowa City West High School's track and football field now will find a locked gate. The Linn-Mar Community School District in Marion also prohibits the public from using its new track, football and soccer fields.

On one hand, we understand the schools' desire to protect these resources. Iowa City West spent $1 million for its turf field. Linn-Mar spent about $10 million on its new facility. The districts say they do not want users to destroy the turf, which is costly to maintain.

But Iowa City and Marion are Blue Zone demonstration sites - a program that encourages environmental changes that promote health and well-being, such as access to recreational facilities.

Keeping the sports facilities open to residents who want to use them responsibly sends a message that schools are partners in communities that make the well-being of residents a priority.

The same goes for school playgrounds, which often are located in the heart of a neighborhood and, perhaps especially in a time when one in three children are overweight or obese, should be a freely accessible place for children to play, explore and socialize.

We empathize with districts' liability and cost concerns. We would not object to reasonable limitations - perhaps restricting hours when the fields are open to the public or even requiring a sign-in before using certain facilities.

Adults who take advantage of these public resources must use common sense. They must make sure they and their children abide by the rules and should be held responsible for any intentional damage they cause.

Surely there's a better way to preserve schools' athletic facilities while making them accessible to the public.

We encourage school districts to unlock the gates and let the people in.

' Comments: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com