Tampa area public running tracks? (Brandon, Safety Harbor: middle school, gated, live in)

[gumbyfly]

I have been looking for a running track (quarter-mile / 400m) in the area; but like most FL areas, high school tracks are gated and locked. Are there any running tracks open to the public? I know there are sidewalks, parks, and the Bayshore Boulevard sidewalk. I am just looking for a pre-measured quarter-mile course at which to do interval training.

[ferret111]

Where in town are you located? Schools are hit and miss, but you can find a few that don't really lock up. In South Tampa, you can use the Coleman Middle track. It's quite popular in the evenings. There's also a paved loop around Al Lopez Park that a lot of people use.

[gumbyfly]

I live in Brandon and work on MacDill. That covers a lot of ground for options. I feel better about using a track, as there are usually fewer people (or people doing similar stuff). I always feel like I am annoying people when I do speed work on walking / jogging pathways. Probably won't have to dodge baby strollers, groups of people walking shoulder-to-shoulder (blocking the entire path), and bikes on a track either.
I will give the middle school a shot. Thanks for your help!

[casanova baby!]

Safety Harbor Middle School keeps their track open to the public in the evenings.

[lamash]

Did you ever find a track to suit your needs. I've been down here since August, and have yet to find a track.

[eatyroc]

hello. any luck in finding that track? i'm looking for one in the tampa area myself.

[ninay2122]

22nd and NorthBay close to MLK track always open! Almost nobody jogging or walking most of the time I'm the only one walking. Good luck! The old Middleton High School now its a middle school for all girls.

[nova66]

Is the old Middleton high school track open to public? What are the hours they allow people use their running track?

[BucFan]

I'm looking for a few good areas to get in a 3-5 mile run - I like scenic areas like Bayshore Blvd near Hyde Park - also around the ST Pete Marina/Vinoy. Anyone have any recommendations for good safe running routes - I've seen some folks start out along the Riverwalk, but I'm not sure how many miles they can get in - but it looks like another good route/scenic. Of course there's the beaches, but sometimes that's a little tougher run because of uneven terrain....

[BethAC]

Ya'll- would you recommend a single female using Coleman track in the very early a.m., as in 5:00 a.m.? Anyone go at this time? What's your experience? Thanks for your feedback :O)