Leon County Schools is closing all high school tracks and athletic fields to the public again, ending a brief return of community access that began less than a year ago. The closure affects tracks at schools that had reopened for public use, including Leon High School and Chiles High School.
The district announced the facilities would close beginning June 20, 2026, saying the decision applies to all high school tracks and fields “for the foreseeable future.” The announcement comes approximately nine months after Leon County Schools reopened selected tracks following a nearly two-year period when community access had been restricted.
The original closure in 2023 was driven by concerns over liability, security, vandalism and the district’s responsibility for maintaining school facilities. At the time, community members argued that the tracks provided important free spaces for exercise, running clubs and residents who did not have easy access to similar facilities.
In September 2025, Leon and Chiles high school tracks reopened under new restrictions. The tracks were available from sunrise to sunset when school activities were not taking place, with security cameras installed to monitor activity and discourage vandalism.
The reopening was viewed as a compromise between residents seeking access and district officials concerned about safety and costs. Leon High School was initially identified as the first facility to return to public use, with Chiles later included.
The latest closure has renewed debate over the balance between public access and school district risk management. Supporters of open tracks say school athletic facilities are community assets that promote health and recreation. District officials have maintained that student safety, facility protection and liability concerns must remain priorities.
The district has not announced a timeline for reopening the facilities, saying the closure will remain in place until further notice.
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