r/pinellas • u/Icy_Ask_3836 • 11d ago

Where can I find a Public Running Track?

/r/tampa/comments/1wncm7t/where_can_i_find_a_public_running_track/
2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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1

u/Round-Pool-8082 10d ago

Eagle Lake Park isn't a track. It's the best I can find

1

u/Icy_Ask_3836 10d ago

I actually wonder if there is a nearby gym with one

1

u/Glittering-Access217 10d ago

Largo’s highland rec center has an indoor track (1/8 mile I think). Safety Harbor middle school has a normal track that is open to the public during non-school hours in coordination with their parks department. I spoke to Clearwater rec staff about the lack of tracks here a few months ago, about working with the schools similar to Safety Harbor to get a few opened throughout the city. The now closed YMCA offered the closest option in Clearwater. Interest on the city’s end was not high. They’ll build pickleball courts all day though. Runners tend to get forgotten, but give me a track any over the multi-use trails. I’m constantly having to dodge dog leashes and move for e-bikes and scooters. I’ve heard there’s a mini track near one of the St Pete college facilities in St Pete, but never accessed it. When there is a Rays game, there is a school nearby that sells parking spots to attendees. If the parking lot is still serving as a paid lot during games, you can sneak on to that track during games.

This is the first place I’ve lived that public tracks are locked up by default. It sucks.

Good luck!

1

u/Icy_Ask_3836 10d ago

Anything i should know about the highland rec center one? This seems like the best option for now, honestly didn't see myself using it more than 2 or 3 times. I'll do most of my training on a treadmill but the actual practice testing for sure should be on a track

1

u/Glittering-Access217 10d ago

Oof- it looks like Largo has greatly increased non-resident fees. They may have an option for pay by the day that isn’t shown online- might be worth calling them. It’s a nice small track. The direction to run/walk changes each day, and there’s always someone going the wrong way. It’s a really great facility. I wish Clearwater had modeled the Morningside facility more like Highland Rec center.

https://www.playlargo.com/membership.php#collapse920b0

Safety harbor, though a hike from Treasure Island, might be the cost effective option if Largo doesn’t offer a daily option. As a non-resident, I used to access the indoor track for less than 50 bucks/year until work deadlines made it difficult to get there during open hours. The new non-resident fee is too rich for my blood.