By Susan Gonsalves, Contributing Writer
Westborough – Westborough School Committee Chair Kristen Vincent said that the high school track is a valuable community resource.
During the committee’s Jan. 6 meeting, Vincent said that she was addressing concerns expressed on social media about lighting at that facility.
She explained that the lights are typically on after school during the winter for practices. She cited members of the track and ski teams as examples of people who use it. The district also anticipates running sports in February and March.
Vincent said the lights on the main field turn off at 5:45 p.m. with two remaining on until 8 p.m.
Community members can and do use the track for jogging, walking and other exercise.
“It’s a safe place to work out and easy to see where you are walking,” Vincent said.
The lights are turned off if the track is unusable because of snow and unsafe conditions.
Superintendent Amber Bock noted that she was recently at the track at around 7 p.m. and five people were working out at the time.
“It’s a site that is gaining more use,” she said.
The superintendent said that it costs $150 per month for the LED lights and that gate fees generally offset those costs.
When the track was being renovated, she added, a lot of community members expressed interest in having access to it.
“(We) have a close relationship with our neighbors and try to meet the needs of the broader community,” Bock said.
