The after-hours security of public school tracks and play fields has been ignored in the rush to add metal detectors and armed security personnel to public school campuses, but the Herald of Everett reports that, in Snohomish County, schools are increasingly locking up public facilities.
Writer Kari Bray sums up the problem:
When bond measures go before voters, seeking millions of dollars to build or update athletic complexes, districts often sell voters on new features that can be used by everyone.
School districts around Snohomish County have a responsibility to protect tracks, tennis courts and practice fields from vandalism, graffiti or filth. However, locking out the problems also means locking out responsible users, many of whom pay taxes that build and maintain the campuses and equipment.
